[Evaluation of the Murless head extractor]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Instruments
• Fetal Monitoring

Context:

• The Murless head extractor has been utilized for cesarean sections to aid in fetal extraction and rotation.
• Cesarean sections are common surgical procedures with potential feto-maternal risks.
• Evaluating the safety and efficacy of specific obstetric instruments is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose:

• To assess the feto-maternal outcomes associated with the use of the Murless head extractor during cesarean sections.
• To analyze maternal and fetal parameters in a cohort of 50 patients undergoing cesarean section with the extractor.
• To determine if the Murless head extractor increases obstetrical injury.

Summary:

• Fifty cesarean sections utilized the Murless head extractor for fetal extraction, with indications including severe preeclampsia (41%), previous cesarean sections (14.7%), and fetal distress (14.7%).
• Apgar scores at one minute averaged 8 (60.6%), and at five minutes, 9 (84.8%), indicating good neonatal adaptation.
• Transfontanellar ultrasound revealed normal findings in 92.5% of neonates; minor complications like brain edema and hypoxic encephalopathy were noted in 7.5%, linked to severe maternal conditions or fetal distress.

Impact:

• The study concluded that the Murless head extractor is a useful and easily applied instrument that does not increase feto-maternal injury during cesarean sections.
• No maternal or fetal morbidity or mortality was directly attributed to the use of the head extractor.
• Findings support the continued use of the Murless head extractor as a safe adjunct in cesarean delivery, potentially reducing surgical complications.