Foetal and maternal outcome of vacuum extraction.

In a prospective study, 167 vacuum extractions (VE) performed at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, formed 6.3% of the total deliveries. Most patients were young and of low parity. There were no maternal deaths. The overall maternal morbidity rate was 22% and were mostly minor. Post partum haemorrhage was the most common maternal complication. There were 5 failed VEs. Perinatal morbidity and mortality rates were 16.2% and 4.8% respectively. Intrauterine asphyxia was the commonest cause of death. Several complications could have been avoided by more stringent use of the instrument. The place of VE in a busy obstetric unit is discussed.