Non VI SED ARTE - Not by Force But by Skills - A Retrospcetive Observational Study on Operative Vaginal Deliveries at a Tertiary Care Center

Deepali Kale, Tanushree Jiwane, Minnie Bodhanwala, Mehernoosh Jassaawaala

Abstract: Instrumental vaginal delivery, involving the use of forceps or vacuum, is a critical obstetric intervention aimed at ensuring safe delivery during maternal or fetal complications. This study explores the prevalence and outcomes of instrumental deliveries in a tertiary care hospital setting over one year. Data collected from hospital records provided insights into maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with vacuum and forceps use. Results indicate that forceps were more frequently employed, particularly in preterm cases and to expedite delivery for maternal indications. Key findings highlight the relative benefits of vacuum extraction in minimizing maternal tissue trauma, while forceps delivery remains beneficial for specific fetal weight ranges and situations requiring swift delivery. The study underscores the value of instrumental delivery in reducing Caesarean rates and emphasizes the need for enhanced training to maintain proficiency in these techniques, particularly in resource - limited settings.

Keywords: instrumental delivery, forceps, vacuum extraction, maternal outcomes, neonatal outcomes