Fetal and maternal complications of forceps and vacuum extraction at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka

The study was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The aim of the study was to find out Fetal and Maternal complications of Forceps and Vacuum extractions deliveries.The literature reviewed is related to Fetal and Maternal complications of Forceps and vacuum extraction deliveries.This was a retrospective study which looked at three hundred (300) forceps deliveries and three hundred (300) vacuum extraction deliveries. Information was obtained from files and delivery register kept in Labour ward. No attempt was made to compare the complications of the two instruments. The findings of the study showed that both instruments have complications related to their use. In the forceps group maternal morbidity of cervical and vaginal lacerations, and bleeding (>500 ml) were more frequently noted whilst neonatal morbidity of cephalhaematoma scalp lessions and neonatal jaundice were highest. Similar observations were noted in the vacuum group. A prospective study comparing the complications of the two instruments is needed.