Authors
Njoku A. I., Aituma L. O. , Omorogbe F., Ikheloa J., Momoh M., Okoeguale J., Eifediyi R. A. .,
Abstract
Background: Instrumental Vaginal delivery (IVD), a key component of essential obstetric care is a procedure used
to shorten the second stage of labour reducing the need for caesarean sections in women who require assistance
using either the forceps or Vacuum. However, despite its value in improving Obstetric outcomes in resource-limited
situations, instrumental deliveries are steadily declining. The study aimed was to ascertain the trend and outcome of
instrumental vaginal deliveries at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period. Methods: A
retrospective cross-sectional study was done among women who gave birth in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital,
located in Irrua, Edo state over a 5-year period; from 1st January 2016 to 31 December 2020.
The labour ward registers and patient case notes were used to gather information on
sociodemographic factors, the type of instrumental delivery used, the Apgar scores of newborns delivered, indication
s, and complications. The information was then entered into a proforma and analyzed using SPSS software for Wind
ows version 24.0. Results: During this study period, there were 4,703 deliveries, 41 (0.87%) of which were
instrumental deliveries. The rates were 0.77% and 0.10% for vacuum and forceps deliveries respectively. The mean
age of the parturient was 29.1 ±5.1 years; Unbooked patients were 8 (19.5%) while 33 (80.5%) were booked.
Prolonged second stage of labour was the commonest indication for IVD 19 (46.3%). The perinatal outcome showed
that 82.5% had Apgar scores of 7 and above at one minute. This was increased to 95% at the 5th minute. Nineteen of
the mothers were free of complications. The commonest complication was perineal laceration occurring in 22
women who had IVD with vacuum extraction contributing 21(95%). Conclusion:
Despite being a less invasive procedure than a caesarean section, this study is relatively low with a declining trend
and indications for the procedure are similar to those found elsewhere.
To prevent its extinction, efforts must be undertaken (via training and retraining) to revitalize the practice of
Instrumental Vaginal Deliveries especially in tertiary institutions such as this setting where Obstetricians are being
trained.
to shorten the second stage of labour reducing the need for caesarean sections in women who require assistance
using either the forceps or Vacuum. However, despite its value in improving Obstetric outcomes in resource-limited
situations, instrumental deliveries are steadily declining. The study aimed was to ascertain the trend and outcome of
instrumental vaginal deliveries at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period. Methods: A
retrospective cross-sectional study was done among women who gave birth in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital,
located in Irrua, Edo state over a 5-year period; from 1st January 2016 to 31 December 2020.
The labour ward registers and patient case notes were used to gather information on
sociodemographic factors, the type of instrumental delivery used, the Apgar scores of newborns delivered, indication
s, and complications. The information was then entered into a proforma and analyzed using SPSS software for Wind
ows version 24.0. Results: During this study period, there were 4,703 deliveries, 41 (0.87%) of which were
instrumental deliveries. The rates were 0.77% and 0.10% for vacuum and forceps deliveries respectively. The mean
age of the parturient was 29.1 ±5.1 years; Unbooked patients were 8 (19.5%) while 33 (80.5%) were booked.
Prolonged second stage of labour was the commonest indication for IVD 19 (46.3%). The perinatal outcome showed
that 82.5% had Apgar scores of 7 and above at one minute. This was increased to 95% at the 5th minute. Nineteen of
the mothers were free of complications. The commonest complication was perineal laceration occurring in 22
women who had IVD with vacuum extraction contributing 21(95%). Conclusion:
Despite being a less invasive procedure than a caesarean section, this study is relatively low with a declining trend
and indications for the procedure are similar to those found elsewhere.
To prevent its extinction, efforts must be undertaken (via training and retraining) to revitalize the practice of
Instrumental Vaginal Deliveries especially in tertiary institutions such as this setting where Obstetricians are being
trained.
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