title: [Instrumental extraction with Thierry's spatula: 166 cases].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the frequency of maternal and neonatal complications resulting from the use of Thierry's spatulas.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study included 166 patients treated during a 17-month period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For 100% of the patients, the use of the spatulas allowed the extraction of the new born, in 68 cases (41%) the new born was engaged between one and two centimeters below the spines. A medio-lateral episiotomy was performed in 159 patients (96%). A serious perineal tear (Type 3) occurred for 6 of these patients (3.6%). A simple perineal tear (Type 1) or vaginal tear occurred in 24 (18%). Episiotomy was performed in 18 patients and was significantly protective. No case of serious neonatal complication were related to the use of the spatulas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found that perineal tear rate is similar to that observed with other instruments used for fetal extraction. No case of fetal trauma could be related to the use of the spatulas; this was the goal of Thierry who creation the instrument. The use of Thierry's spatulas as a reference instrument is warranted, particularly for cases of prematurity, as these spatulas fulfil the modern obstetrics requirements of fetal protection, without maternal risk.
authors.affiliation: Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHU Hôpital Nord, chemin des Bourelly, Marseille.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: De Troyer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bouvenot
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: D'ercole
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Boubli
mesh_terms: D004841:Episiotomy; D005113:Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014621:Vagina / Q000293:injuries