title: Foetal and maternal outcome of vacuum extraction.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gachiri
authors.forename: K O
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Rogo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014620:Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*