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A comparison of the morbidity of midforceps and cesarean delivery

Article Abstract:

Midpelvic forceps delivery is a procedure that can be used to assist in the delivery of a fetus having difficulty moving down the birth canal. Since cesarean sections have become relatively safe, while complications associated with midforceps deliveries (head injuries, seizures and nervous system damage) have been reported, the value of the midforceps procedure is being questioned. However, the outcome of forceps deliveries has varied from study to study. Also, many complications can result from cesarean deliveries, particularly complications involving the mother's health and safety. The risks to mother and baby from 358 midforceps deliveries and 486 cesarean deliveries were evaluated. Forceps deliveries were performed when the fetus failed to descend through the birth canal resulting in a long (greater than two hours) second stage of labor (dystocia) in 171 cases and fetal distress in 187 cases. Cesareans were performed in 207 patients experiencing dystocia and 279 patients with fetal distress. The health of the infant was assessed using the Apgar score (an assessment of fetal well-being one and five minutes after birth), blood gas analysis (acidity of the blood indicating respiratory status of the infant), need for admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and occurrence of birth trauma. Complications experienced by the mother during and after both procedures were also evaluated. Compared with normal (no forceps or cesarean) deliveries, there was no increase in significant short-term complications in infants born by the midforceps method. In addition, more maternal complications were experienced by the cesarean-delivered group than the midforceps group. The retrospective study design was unable to control for a number of factors such as head size, fetal weight, size of the mother's pelvis, and condition of the mother, all of which might have influenced the rate of complications. Furthermore, midforceps attempts that were eventually abandoned were not included in the analysis. It is concluded that the midforceps delivery is safe for the mother and fetus if used in appropriate, selected cases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Management, Childbirth, Delivery (Childbirth), Obstetrical forceps, Forceps delivery, Labor, Complicated, Labor complications

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Pyoderma gangrenosum after cesarean delivery

Article Abstract:

Doctors describe a case of pyoderma gangrenosum in a 24-year-old woman who had a cesarean delivery. This skin disease sometimes occurs after surgery, but it is not caused by infection. Prompt diagnosis is critical because it can be successfully treated with immunosuppressive drugs.

Case studies, Pyoderma

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Complications of elective cesarean delivery necessitating postpartum hysterectomy

Article Abstract:

Although a cesarean section is generally safe, complications can still occur. A 34-year-old women who had a cesarean was hospitalized 5 days later with peritonitis, an infection inside the abdominal cavity. She had a hysterectomy and was treated with antibiotics.

Causes of, Peritonitis

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