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Instrumental vaginal deliveries at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
Abstract
Objectives of the Study: To determine the extent of use and complications associated with the use of obstetric forceps
and ventouse in a teaching hospital.
Setting and Subjects: All cases of instrumental deliveries (obstetric forceps and vacuum extraction) at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, between 1 of January 1993 and 31 of December 2000 were reviewed.
Results: Out of a total of 10 881 deliveries recorded, 181 (1.67%) were by vacuum extraction and 33 (0.30%) were by forceps. The common indications for forceps deliveries and vacuum extraction were delay in the second stage of labour and medical conditions, including pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and cardiac disease. The main maternal complications were lacerations of the genital tract. One maternal death was recorded. The most frequent fetal complication was birth asphyxia. Fresh stillbirth was found in 7 (2.21 per cent) of vacuum extraction, and 2 (6.06 per cent) of forceps deliveries. Other foetal complications noted were cephalhaematoma and intracranial haemorrhage.
Conclusions: Training of resident doctors and other medical staff in charge of deliveries and the use of less traumatic devices are essential in the effort to promote the correct use of the instrument and the avoidance of complications.
Keywords: vacuum, forceps, instrumental Vaginal delivery
Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 22(1) 2005: 42-45
