This is the second edition of this guideline. The original edition, entitled Instrumental Vaginal Delivery, was published in October 2000.
This guideline was edited in December 2007 to correct an error in the list of references. References 50 and 51 were swapped round. The rest of the Guideline remained the same.
The aim of this guideline is to provide up to date information on the use of the forceps and vacuum extractor for both rotational and non-rotational operative vaginal deliveries. Obstetricians should be confident and competent in the use of both instruments. The anatomy of the birth canal and the fetal head must be understood as a prerequisite to becoming skilled in the safe use of the forceps or vacuum extractor. The RCOG recommends that obstetricians achieve experience in spontaneous vaginal delivery prior to commencing training in operative vaginal delivery. The goal of operative vaginal delivery is to mimic spontaneous vaginal birth, thereby expediting delivery with a minimum of maternal or neonatal morbidity.
The scope of this guideline will include indications for operative vaginal delivery, choice of instrument, aspects of safe clinical practice, risk of physical and psychological complications and a brief review of special circumstances.
This guideline can be downloaded as a pdf using the link below
