Uterine rupture and vacuum extraction.

Eleven uterine ruptures occurred among 11415 vacuum extractions, and these cases are analysed. Cervical tears extending into the lower uterine segment or into the broad ligament occurred in 4 cases, lower segment tears in 6 and a fundal tear in 1. One patient died of respiratory failure. The possible cause of uterine rupture with vacuum extraction appear to be a combination of an unengaged fetal head, an incompletely dilated cervix and an undetected mild cephalopelvic disproportion especially in grandmultiparae, dehiscent or weak uterine scars, prolonged traction without progress, manipulations in shoulder dystocia and obstruction and excessive non controlled traction. Uterine rupture can be minimized by careful selection of cases, proper technique and early recognition of failure.