Vacuum extraction in modern obstetric practice: a review and critique

J P O'Grady1, C S Pope, S S Patel

  • 1Tufts University School of Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts 01199, USA.

The practice of obstetric vacuum extraction is controversial. This article discusses several issues concerning vacuum extraction including maternal and fetal injury risks, failure rates, indications and technique. Recently published articles on these topics are presented and summarized. Throughout this review, vacuum extraction is evaluated against its principal alternatives, forceps and cesarean delivery.

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