[Vacuum extraction in modern obstetrics].

From 1970 to 1979 the authors analysed 1721 vacuum extractions. The method was introduced into the Department in 1965 and performed in 0.96% of cases. From 1970 to 1980 the use of VE increased from 1.97% to 4.93%. The most frequent indication for its use was the prolonged expulsion phase (49.78%). While in premature children the method was applied rarely (2.32%), in children weighing over 4000 g it was indicated in 16.44% of cases. The newborns delivered by VE proved to have increased traumatic morbidity rates (anoxia perinatalis 25.56%, haemorrhagia intracranialis 20.39%, cephalhaematoma 33.58%). The mortality of newborns delivered by VE amounted to 6.39%. There was 1.10% of unsuccessful vacuum extractions (19 parturients: in 16 forceps and in 3 cesarean section were applied). In the authors' opinion, vacuum extraction is the method of choice in the vaginal operative completion of labour: VE does not diminish the pelvic cavity or fix the position of the head of the fetus but allows the flexion of the head by natural forces. After each unsuccessful vacuum extraction it is necessary to examine its causes. The choice of the method for completing labour depends on the obstetric situation. Intracranial hemorrhages amounting to 20.39% warn the authors to reexamine the methods of their work.