Midforceps operations; indications for and results of one thousand cases based on pelviradiography and progress of labor.

Abstract

In modern obstetrics, the midforceps operation has become the chief delivery room problem. This operation is usually selected for completion of deliveries in cases of midpelvic arrest caused by malposition or poor uterine or abdominal contractions. The definition of a type of forceps operation must include reference to fetal and pelvic planes that are ascertainable and constant. For the fetal point of reference, the use of the biparietal diameter is not wise, because in the average obstetrical forceps operation, the obstetrician contents himself with the station of the most dependent portion of the presenting part and the location of the sutures and fontanels for determining position and station. The location of the biparietal diameter is easily determined by a lateral roentgenogram, but determination of its level in the pelvic axis by manual examination is difficult. I, therefore, use and urge the adaptation of the most dependent portion of the presenting