[Indications and technic of operative vaginal delivery in vertex presentation]

In operative vaginal delivery in vertex presentation we pay attention to a separation in the indication for using a forceps or using a vacuumextractor. A delivery with a vacuumextractor is recommendable only in a flexion of the fetal head, in a low obstetrical resistance and with slow tractions. A delivery with a forceps is recommendable even in a deflexion of the fetal head, in a high obstetrical resistance and in fetal distress situations. A comparison in 2 collectives, each of a time period of 5 years, shows an interesting difference. In collective 1 (1963 to 1967) the frequency of forceps deliveries was 2.2% and of vacuumdeliveries was 3.2%. In collective 2 (1978 to 1982) the frequency of forcepsdeliveries was 4.1% and of vacuumdeliveries was 0.4%. Caused by a separation of the indication and by a consequent fetal monitoring there was an improvement in fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Using a handle in forceps delivery the procedure is more easy and less harmful for the baby.