Frequency of fetomaternal complications among instrumental vaginal deliveries.

Abstract

Objective: To see the frequency of fetomaternal complications among women who have undergone instrumental vaginal delivery. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit 2 in Civil Hospital Karachi. Period: 1st October 2020 to 30th March 2021. Methods: The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi version 3, which estimated a requirement of 94 participants with a 95% confidence interval and 5% confidence limit, based on a prevalence of 93.25%. Non-probability consecutive sampling was employed to recruit participants. Results: A total of 94 patients underwent instrumental vaginal deliveries. The average age of the patients was 25.98±4.52 years. The frequency of first-degree perineal tear was found to be 4.3% and second-degree perineal tear were also seen in 4.3% cases, while 3rd degree perineal tears were seen in 1.1% cases, and fourth degree tears were also found in 1.1% cases. The frequency of vaginal tears was 2.1% and cervical tears were seen in 3.2% cases. Retention of urine was observed in 2.1% of cases and postpartum haemorrhage was found in 4.3% cases. Paraurethral tears were observed in 1.1% cases, paravaginal hematoma and extension of episiotomy was observed in 0.3% and 10.6% respectively. As for the foetal complications, shoulder dystocia had occurred in 2.1%, cephalhematoma was seen in 3.2% babies and facial palsy in 1.1% however 17% babies were admitted to NICU. Conclusion: We conclude that Instrumental vaginal deliveries were found to be safer than caesarean section as they needed less expertise and had fewer chances of maternal morbidity. Forceps deliveries needed more skills and expertise to prevent maternal complication.