Choosing between bad, worse and worst: what is the preferred mode of delivery for failure of the second stage of labor?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the preferred mode of delivery (vacuum, forceps or cesarean delivery) for second-stage dystocia.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of women delivered by forceps, vacuum or cesarean delivery due to abnormalities of the second stage of labor. Primary outcome included neonatal and maternal composite adverse effects.

RESULTS: A total of 547 women were included: 150 (27.4%) had forceps delivery, 200 (36.5%) had vacuum extraction, and 197 (36.1%) had cesarean section. The rate of neonatal composite outcome was significantly increased in vacuum extraction (27%) compared to forceps delivery (14.7%) or cesarean section (9.7%) (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of maternal composite outcome among the groups. Both operative vaginal delivery modes were associated with significantly lower rate of postpartum infection compared to cesarean delivery (0% versus 3%, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION: Operative vaginal delivery was associated with reduced postpartum infection compared to cesarean section. Forceps delivery was associated with reduced risk for adverse neonatal outcome compared to vacuum extraction, with no increase in the risk of composite maternal complications.