Rapid versus stepwise negative pressure application for vacuum extraction assisted vaginal delivery.
BACKGROUND
Vacuum extraction is a common technique of assisted vaginal delivery. Traditionally, it has been recommended that the pressure is increased slowly in a stepwise procedure; some have advocated rapid increases in pressure.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of rapid versus stepwise negative pressure application for assisted vaginal delivery by vacuum extraction.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (March 2008).


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials of rapid compared with stepwise increase in negative pressure application of vacuum extraction.


METHODS
Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.


RESULTS
One trial of 94 women was included. Duration of vacuum procedure was reduced in rapid application group (mean difference -6.10 minutes, 95% confidence interval -8.83 to -3.37). There were no significant differences in detachment rate, degree of perineal tears, Apgar score less than seven at one and five minutes, umbilical venous pH less than 7.2, scalp laceration greater than a quarter, cephalhematoma and number of tractions.


CONCLUSIONS
The rapid negative pressure application for vacuum assisted vaginal birth reduces the duration of the procedure whilst there is no evidence of differences in maternal and neonatal outcome. Due to a small number of participants in the single included trial, the evidence is limited and either policy may be employed until further controlled trials provide conclusive evidence of benefit from one or other method.
Suwannachat
Bunpode
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kalasin Hospital, 202/1 Thedban 23rd Road, Amphur Muang, Kalasin Province, Thailand, 46000. bunpode@yahoo.com
Lumbiganon
Pisake
P
Laopaiboon
Malinee
M
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011312:Pressure; D014620:Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods*