Experience of the Use of Vacuum Extractor in Delivery Assistance

Abstract

Background: The vacuum extractor is a tool that, through controlled vacuum generation, produces negative pressure on the fetal head, allowing traction, flexion, rotation, and extraction. It is currently considered a safe and effective alternative for assisted vaginal delivery. Objective: To describe the indications, technical application parameters, complications, and success of the use of the vacuum extractor in childbirth assistance. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, observational, and descriptive study was conducted in patients with singleton term pregnancies, in whom delivery was assisted with a rigid-cup vacuum extractor over a five-year period. Indication, technical parameters, complications, and success of the procedure were evaluated and recorded. Results: The rigid-cup vacuum extractor was used in 105 patients. The main indications for its application were maternal exhaustion (n = 50; 47.6%), prolonged second stage of labor (n = 26; 24.8%), and risk of fetal distress (n = 10; 9.5%). Successful extraction of the fetal head (defined as successful vacuum delivery) was achieved in 103 cases (98.1%, 95%, CI: 95.5 - 100). The most frequent maternal complication was first-degree vaginal tear (n = 13; 12.4%, 95% CI: 6.1 - 18.7), while the most common neonatal finding was caput succedaneum (n = 20; 19.0%, 95% CI: 11.5 - 26.5). Conclusions: The use of a rigid-cup vacuum extractor is a useful tool, with a high success rate and a low risk of maternal or neonatal injury.