Maternal and neonatal outcome with trial of operative vaginal delivery (TOVD) in theatre

Abstract

The objective of this study is to know the maternal and neonatal morbidity, along withcharacteristics affecting the success of trial of operative vaginal delivery (TOVD) intheatre. This is a retrospective study of TOVD in theatre. There were 196 cases ofTOVD in theatre out of 2945 deliveries during the period of study with a total failurerate of 25.5% for all instruments used. Caesarean section and sequential instrumentaldeliveries were associated with more major complications than Neville-Barnesforceps and Kiwi ventouse cup but none with Moolgaoker and Kielland rotationalforceps deliveries. However, the numbers may be small to make a conclusion that Moolgaoker and Kielland rotational forceps had the lowest failure rate (1/16 or 6%). Non-occipitoanterior positions significantly increased the incidence of TOVD (p 0.05, no significant difference). Table 2 illustrates the major complications in 89 parturient’s and 93 babies who had TOVD and in whom notes could be reviewed. Figure 2 Table 2: Illustrate major complications with various TOVDs ANOVA for four independent samples (Table 3) to compare different fetal blood sampling results between: Kiellands, Moolgaoker, sequential instrumental delivery and CS showed that no significant difference in umbilical cord arterial or venous pH between groups (Two tailed p value is 0.07) Figure 3 Table 3: Fetal blood samples for different modes of deliveries in the study: Kiellands, Moolgaoker, sequential instrumental delivery and CS. Moolgaoker and Kielland rotational forceps had lower failure rate (6%), compared to NBF (12.5%), Kiwi (39.2%), and Sequential instrumental delivery (29.3%). ANOVA analysis between the different means has shown significant longer hospital stay for sequential instrumental deliveries and CS (p = 0.017), with an average stay of 3.88 and 5.23 days respectively. DISCUSSION There are no absolute criteria for a TOVD in theatre [3] but the RCOG [1] has suggested that higher failure rates are associated with: 1. Maternal body mass index greater than 30 2. Estimated fetal weight greater than 4000 g or a clinically big baby 3. Occipito-posterior position 4. Mid-cavity delivery or when 1/5 head palpable per abdomen. It had been reported earlier that between 2% to 5% of all instrumental deliveries are undertaken in theatre with preparations made for immediate caesarean section [4, 5]. Patients need to be reassessed again in theatre under regional analgesia and a final decision made regarding the mode of delivery and the appropriate selection of instrument. Failure rates of OVD range from 16% to 20% cases [6, 7]. The failure rate in our study was at 25.5% and that the TOVD with Kiwi has had the lowest success rate between instruments (Failure rate of 39.2%). The experience of the surgeon affects the outcome of OVD, but it is difficult to compare the success rates for different Maternal and neonatal outcome with trial of operative vaginal delivery (TOVD) in theatre 3 of 4 surgeons as they use different instruments. Moreover, an experienced obstetrician is likely to have a higher success rate due to careful patient selection. A cautious less experienced operator may also have a high success rate by performing most of his/her OVD as trials in theatre [8]. In a recent prospective case-control study it has been shown that formal training and education was associated with improved safety of instrumental vaginal delivery for both the mother and the baby [6]. There is higher maternal and fetal morbidity after failed sequential instrumental delivery [9]. Although we found that CS and sequential instrumental deliveries were more associated with complications than with the NBF and Kiwi ventouse cup, this may be due to selection bias. Therefore, we cannot conclude with enough confidence that the latter statement is true. CONCLUSION A larger prospective study to compare the different instruments in TOVD is needed. Non-occipitoanterior positions significantly increased the incidence of TOVD Failure rate of 25.5% for all instruments used. References Maternal and neonatal outcome with trial of operative vaginal delivery (TOVD) in theatre 4 of 4 Author Information A Sayasneh Women’s Health Directorate, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5NY, U. K. H Muppala Women’s Health Directorate, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5NY, U. K. J Rafi Women’s Health Directorate, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5NY, U. K. W Hassan Women’s Health Directorate, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5NY, U. K. M Hanson Women’s Health Directorate, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5NY, U. K.