The use of the ventouse

Abstract

Assisted delivery remains an integral part of the duties of the obstetrician. It is important that safe and effective techniques are used both for forceps and ventouse deliveries. Although both instruments are associated with a low incidence of significant fetal injury, there is evidence that, particularly for the mother, ‘the ventouse is the instrument of first choice for operative vaginal delivery’.1,2 It is associated with significantly fewer maternal injuries and maternal anaesthetic requirements. This is especially true for occipitoposterior deliveries where the ventouse simply facilitates the natural rotation of the head.