Stepwise compared with rapid application of vacuum in ventouse extraction procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To compare a one-step (rapid) application of negative pressure (vacuum) with conventional stepwise application for ventouse extraction following a prolonged second stage of labour.


METHODS
Randomised controlled study.


METHODS
Teaching Hospital.


METHODS
Forty-seven women were randomised to the rapid vacuum group and 47 to the stepwise group.


METHODS
Duration of ventouse procedure, effectiveness of methods of application, morbidity of mother and infant.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in frequency of detachment of the cup after rapid or stepwise application of vacuum. A reduction in mean duration of the ventouse procedure of 6 min was realised without significant difference in maternal or neonatal morbidity.


CONCLUSIONS
Rapid application of vacuum significantly reduces the duration of a ventouse extraction procedure without compromise to efficiency and safety.
Lim
F T
FT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leyenburg Teaching Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Holm
J P
JP
Schuitemaker
N W
NW
Jansen
F H
FH
Hermans
J
J
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D001034:Apgar Score; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007223:Infant; D018730:Infant Behavior; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007748:Labor Stage, Second; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011312:Pressure; D012535:Scalp / Q000293:injuries; D014620:Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*