An anonymous survey of registrar training in the use of Kjelland's forceps in Australia

Large series suggest that, when used with appropriate care and skill, rotational deliveries with Kjelland's forceps are a safe and useful procedure. We surveyed obstetric trainees in Australia to assess their experience with, and intentions to use, Kjelland's forceps. The response rate was 65%, and it was uncommon for even senior trainees to have performed more than ten Kjelland's forceps rotations during their training. Ninety-four per cent of final-year trainees stated they did not intend to use Kjelland's forceps in their consultant practice.     

Maternal and neonatal immediate effects of sequential delivery

Objective: To evaluate the immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with sequential instrumental delivery (vaccum plus forceps) compared with the use of one instrument only (forceps or vaccum). Study design: A longitudinal observational study was carried out, including all instrumental deliveries performed in term singleton pregnancies, in vertex presentation, at station level 0 or +1. According to the type of the instruments, the deliveries were divided in three groups: the vaccum group, the forceps group and the sequential group. Immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. Results: A total of 275 instrumental deliveries were performed: 126 (45.5%) vaccum assisted deliveries, 62 (22.6%) forceps assisted deliveries and 87 (31.6%) sequential deliveries. Regarding maternal morbidity, there was a significant difference between the three groups (p < 0.001), with a higher rate of complications in the sequential group. The type of instrument was the only factor associated with significant maternal morbidity. The rate of immediate neonatal morbidity was 4.4% and there was no significant association with the instrument type or with other identifiable factors. Conclusion: Sequential delivery is associated with a higher maternal morbidity and it seems not to increase neonatal morbidity.     

Qualitative analysis by interviews and video recordings to establish the components of a skilled rotational forceps delivery

Objective

To define the skills of a mid-cavity rotational forceps delivery to facilitate transfer of skills from expert obstetricians to trainee obstetricians.

Study design

Qualitative interviews and video analysis carried out at maternity units of two university teaching hospitals (St. Michael's Hospital, Bristol, and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee). Ten obstetricians were identified as experts in conducting operative vaginal deliveries. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to identify key technical skills. The experts were also video recorded conducting mid-cavity rotational deliveries in a simulation setting. The interviews and video recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic coding. The anonymised data were individually coded by the three researchers and then compared for consistency of interpretation. The experts reviewed the data for respondent validation. The themes that emerged following the coding were used to formulate a taxonomy of skills.

Results

Rotational forceps were preferred by eight experts and two experts preferred manual rotation followed by direct traction forceps. The final taxonomy included detailed technical skills for Kielland rotational forceps delivery and manual rotation followed by direct traction forceps delivery.

Conclusion

This explicitly defined skills taxonomy could aid trainees’ understanding of the technique of rotational forceps delivery. This is an important potential contributor to safely reducing the rate of second-stage caesarean section.     

Maternal and neonatal outcome after failed ventouse delivery: Comparison of forceps versus cesarean section

Objectives.?To compare the immediate maternal and neonatal morbidity in women delivered by forceps or cesarean section after failed ventouse delivery.

Methods.?Case notes of 400 consecutive successful ventouse deliveries compared with 342 failed ventouse deliveries, where delivery was subsequently achieved with either forceps (N = 247) or cesarean section (N = 95), which took place between October 1999 and May 2003, were reviewed.

Results.?Failed ventouse delivery was associated with an increased chance for fetal malposition (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.6 – 5.3) and postpartum hemorrhage (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.8 – 6.8). Compared to forceps after failed ventouse, cesarean section was associated with a higher prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage (OR 7.8, 95% CI 3.6 – 16.9) and fewer third degree perineal tears (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between cesarean section and forceps delivery after failed ventouse for neonatal morbidity.

Conclusions.?Failure of ventouse delivery is 3 – 4 times more likely with a fetal malposition and is associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. While cesarean section increases the postpartum hemorrhage rate, forceps delivery is associated with increased likelihood of third degree perineal tears. The neonatal morbidity was comparable regardless of whether forceps or cesarean was used after failed ventouse.     

Forceps delivery for non-rotational and rotational operative vaginal delivery

Forceps are a commonly used instrument for assisting vaginal birth. Accepted indications include prolonged labour, suspected foetal distress and maternal medical conditions that benefit from a shortened second stage of labour. Maternal and offspring outcomes of forceps-assisted birth have been extensively reported in observational studies, but randomised trial evidence is limited. Forceps-assisted delivery has a lower failure rate than vacuum-assisted delivery but is associated with a higher incidence of maternal pelvic floor trauma. Second-stage caesarean section is associated with less foetal-neonatal trauma than forceps-assisted delivery but markedly reduces the chance of a subsequent vaginal birth. This review outlines the existing evidence on prevention, indications and contraindications for forceps-assisted birth (non-rotational and rotational), short- and long-term complications for mother and baby, alternatives to use of forceps and how to manage an abandoned forceps-assisted birth. The essential components of informed consent are also discussed.     

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in triplet gestations by trial of labor versus planned cesarean delivery*

Objective: To determine the rate of vaginal delivery after vaginal trial of labor (TOL) among women with triplet gestations.

Study design: This is a retrospective cohort study of all women delivering a viable triplet gestation between 2005 and 2016. The primary outcome was rate of vaginal delivery among all women attempting vaginal delivery. Secondary outcomes included factors associated with undergoing triplet TOL, and maternal and neonatal complications by planned delivery approach.

Results: Of the 83 eligible women, 21 (25.3%) underwent TOL. A majority of these (57.1, 95% confidence interval 36.5–75.5%) achieved a vaginal delivery of all three triplets. Women who underwent TOL were more likely to be multiparous or to have spontaneous preterm labor. There were no differences in adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes by planned delivery approach.

Conclusions: The rate of vaginal delivery among women with triplet gestations is higher in this institution than in reported literature, without increased morbidity.     

Maternal and neonatal morbidity after first vaginal delivery using Thierry's spatulas

OBJECTIVE: To analyse maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with instrumental delivery using Thierry's spatulas. METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2003, 570 nulliparous women with term, singleton, cephalic pregnancies gave birth by either instrumental (n = 279) or spontaneous vaginal delivery (n = 291) and were studied in a retrospective case-control study. Maternal and neonatal morbidity were compared in the instrumental vs. spontaneous delivery groups. RESULTS: Women who underwent instrumental delivery using Thierry's spatula were more likely to have severe perineal tears (ORa 7.5, 95% CI 1.5, 32.3), urinary retention (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3, 5.6), postpartum blood loss (ORa 3.4, 2.4, 4.9) and extended hospital stay (OR 3.21, 95% CI 2.3, 4.6) than women having a spontaneous vaginal birth. Regarding the infant, one case of subgaleal haematoma was noted. No significant difference was noted in neonatal period. CONCLUSION: This data support the safety of Thierry's spatula on infant outcome. Maternal morbidity observed with Thierry spatulas was similar to that reported in the literature for other modes of instrumental delivery but the risk for perineal morbidity was higher than for spontaneous delivery. Neonatal morbidity appeared to be limited.     

Maternal and neonatal effects of outlet forceps delivery compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery in term pregnancies

Previous retrospective studies have suggested that the prophylactic use of outlet forceps has a beneficial impact on the neonate because it shortens the second stage of labor and decreases the incidence of neonatal hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate maternal and neonatal effects of outlet forceps delivery (N = 165) with spontaneous vaginal delivery (N = 168) in term parturients. Subjects were randomized to the study or control group immediately before delivery. There were 88 nulliparas and 77 multiparas in the forceps delivery group and 90 and 78, respectively, who delivered spontaneously, a nonsignificant difference. There were no significant differences in gestational age, parity, infant birth weight, length of the first and second stages of labor, use of conduction (continuous epidural) anesthesia, decrease in hematocrit values, Apgar scores, or umbilical arterial pH values between the forceps and spontaneous delivery groups. Seventeen infants in the forceps group and 16 in the control group had cephalhematoma, facial bruising, subconjunctival hemorrhage, or scalp abrasion (not significant). No neonate had fractures, nerve palsies, or intracranial hemorrhage (determined by cranial ultrasound). In the nulliparous population, significant differences were found in the use of episiotomy (93 versus 78%) and the incidence of deep perineal lacerations (24 versus 10%) with forceps compared with spontaneous delivery, respectively (P less than .05). No significant differences between the groups were found in multiparas. We conclude that the use of outlet forceps in patients with uncomplicated labor has no immediate effect on the neonate. Furthermore, outlet forceps delivery does not significantly shorten the second stage of labor and is associated with an increased incidence of maternal perineal trauma.     

阴道手术产

阴道手术产是指助产者运用产钳或胎头吸引器使胎儿经阴道分娩,由于产科医生经验和能力的缺乏而使经阴道助产手术分娩的数量下降。文章就阴道手术产的指征、手术技巧、并发症以及手术方式的选择等进行讨论。     

Maternal and neonatal outcome after failed ventouse delivery: comparison of forceps versus cesarean section.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the immediate maternal and neonatal morbidity in women delivered by forceps or cesarean section after failed ventouse delivery. METHODS: Case notes of 400 consecutive successful ventouse deliveries compared with 342 failed ventouse deliveries, where delivery was subsequently achieved with either forceps (N = 247) or cesarean section (N = 95), which took place between October 1999 and May 2003, were reviewed. RESULTS: Failed ventouse delivery was associated with an increased chance for fetal malposition (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.6 - 5.3) and postpartum hemorrhage (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.8 - 6.8). Compared to forceps after failed ventouse, cesarean section was associated with a higher prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage (OR 7.8, 95% CI 3.6 - 16.9) and fewer third degree perineal tears (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between cesarean section and forceps delivery after failed ventouse for neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Failure of ventouse delivery is 3 - 4 times more likely with a fetal malposition and is associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. While cesarean section increases the postpartum hemorrhage rate, forceps delivery is associated with increased likelihood of third degree perineal tears. The neonatal morbidity was comparable regardless of whether forceps or cesarean was used after failed ventouse.     

Short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes by mode of delivery. A case-controlled study

OBJECTIVE: Side-by-side comparisons of short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes for spontaneous vaginal delivery, instrumental vaginal delivery, planned caesarean section and caesarean section during labor in patients matched for clinical condition, age, and week of gestation are lacking. This case-controlled study was undertaken to evaluate short-term maternal and neonatal complications in a healthy population at term by mode of delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Four groups of healthy women, with antenatally normal singleton pregnancies at term, who underwent instrumental vaginal delivery (no. 201), spontaneous delivery (no. 402), planned caesarean section without labor (no. 402) and caesarean section in labor (no. 402) have been retrospectively selected. Outcome measures were maternal and neonatal short-term complications. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Maternal complications were mostly associated with forceps-assisted and vacuum-assisted instrumental deliveries (OR: 6.9; 95% CI: 2.9-16.4 and OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.1-8.8, respectively, versus spontaneous deliveries). No significant differences in overall complications were observed between spontaneous vaginal deliveries and caesarean sections, whether planned or in labor. By comparison with caesarean sections in labor, instrumental deliveries significantly increased the risk of complications (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.6-6.5). Neonatal complications were also mostly correlated with forceps-assisted and vacuum-assisted instrumental deliveries (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.9-6.7 and OR 3.8; 95% CI 2.0-7.4, respectively, versus spontaneous deliveries). By comparison with caesarean sections in labor, instrumental vaginal deliveries significantly increased the risk of complications (OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.4-7.4). CONCLUSIONS: In healthy women with antenatally normal singleton pregnancies at term, instrumental deliveries are associated with the highest rate of short-term maternal and neonatal complications.     

Maternal co-morbidities and neonatal outcomes associated with cystic fibrosis*

Objective: To evaluate maternal co-morbidities and adverse perinatal outcomes associated with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 2 178 954 singleton pregnancies at?≥20 weeks’ gestation with and without CF in the state of California during the years 2005–2008. ICD-9 codes and linked hospital discharge and vital statistics data were utilized. Rates of maternal co-morbidities, fetal congenital anomalies and adverse perinatal outcomes were compared in those with CF and those without. Maternal co-morbidities included gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and primary cesarean delivery. Perinatal outcomes included neonatal demise, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, macrosomia, anomaly, fetal demise, asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, intraventricular hemorrhage, hypoglycemia and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Results: The cohort included 2 178 954 pregnancies of which 77 mothers had CF. Mothers with CF were more likely to have pre-gestational diabetes and had higher rates of primary cesarean delivery. Neonates delivered to mothers with CF were more likely to be born preterm and have congenital anomalies but otherwise were not at increased risk for significant neonatal morbidity or mortality when adjusted for gestational age.

Conclusion: Mothers with CF are more likely to have pre-gestational diabetes, deliver preterm (<37 weeks gestation) and have a primary cesarean delivery. Infants are more likely to have congenital anomalies. In addition to early diabetic screening and genetic counseling, a detailed fetal anatomy ultrasound should be performed in women with CF.     

Vacuum-assisted delivery: an analysis of traction force and maternal and neonatal outcomes

Safety recommendations for vacuum-assisted delivery focus on limiting the number of pulls and the duration of the procedure. With the introduction of the Kiwi OmniCup vacuum extractor incorporating a Traction Force Indicator, it is now possible to reliably monitor and control the amount of traction force exerted on the fetal scalp. The OmniCup was used in a prospective observational study of 119 vacuum-assisted deliveries in nulliparous women to establish practical guidelines for safe practice in typical clinical settings.     

The impact of a trial of instrumental delivery in theatre on neonatal outcome

Objective  To observe the effect of a trial of instrumental delivery in theatre on outcome for mother and baby.
Design  A prospective observational study.
Methods  Relevant maternal and neonatal data were collected for all instrumental deliveries of singleton viable pregnancies delivered over a three month period.
Population  Two hundred and twenty nine consecutive deliveries conducted by ventouse or forceps because of fetal distress or dystocia.
Setting  The maternity unit of a teaching hospital delivering around 6000 women annually.
Main outcome measures  The decision-to-delivery intervals (DDI), mode of delivery and neonatal condition at birth.
Results  Sixty (26%) deliveries were managed as a trial in theatre, 46 (77%) because of prolonged second stage, with malposition being a factor in 39, and 14 (23%) because of fetal distress. The mean ± SD DDI for these 60 deliveries was 59.2 ± 20.4 minutes (median 58 minutes) compared with 21.2 ± 9.0 minutes (median 20 minutes) for 169 delivered in the labour room ( P < 0.0001). Of these 169 deliveries, 168 were delivered within 46 minutes and 1 delivered by caesarean section at 60 minutes. Nine women (13%) ultimately delivered by caesarean section, eight following a trial in theatre; in seven, there was malposition. Deliveries following a trial had slightly less favourable cord blood gas results.
Conclusions  Trial of instrumental delivery takes two to three times longer than delivery in the labour room; fetal malposition was the major indication for the trial of instrumental delivery and reason for failed delivery. Adopting the recent guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, at least 107 (47%) should have been managed as a trial in theatre. The added delay in delivery could be damaging to an already hypoxic fetus, and the use of a trial should be individually assessed.     

Maternal request cesarean versus planned spontaneous vaginal delivery: maternal morbidity and short term outcomes

Since no randomized trial evaluates maternal morbidity from planned cesarean versus planned vaginal delivery, the issue must be addressed indirectly from retrospective cohort studies of vertex fetuses by actual or planned delivery route, and retrospective or randomized studies of breech fetuses by planned delivery route. The available data, although limited, suggest that term planned cesarean and planned vaginal delivery have similarly low rates of absolute and relative short-term maternal morbidity. Endometritis and cystitis are more frequent with cesarean, whereas hemorrhage is more frequent with planned vaginal delivery. Much of the morbidity of planned vaginal delivery is the morbidity of unplanned cesarean in labor and operative vaginal delivery, particularly forceps. Thus, the relative risk of short-term maternal morbidity of planned cesarean versus planned vaginal delivery will depend on the proportion of women in each group ultimately delivering in the planned manner and the frequency with which delivery occurs by an alternative unplanned method.