[Forceps deliveries in epidural or general anesthesia (author's transl)]

It was the aim the present study to evaluate maternal morbidity and fetal outcome of 832 pelvic outlet forceps deliveries during the years 1974 through 1977 with special reference to the method of anesthesia (Epidural anesthesia (EA) with Bupivacain 0,5% or general anesthesia (GA) with Methohexital-Na and Succinylcholin). Maternal vaginal and/or cervical injuries were seen significantly (p less than 0,001) more often in the forceps group than in spontaneous, vacuum, or breech deliveries. Vaginal injuries occurred less often (p less than 0,01) in the EA- than in the GA-group. Forceps deliveries were not associated with increased maternal morbidity in fetuses weighing 3750gr or more. The cardiotocography scores (Hammacher et al. 1974) of the 30 minutes preceeding delivery (final scores) were better with EA than with GA (p less than 0,01). Arterial cord pH and 1 minute Apgar values were similar in both groups. The same was true for fetuses with a birthweight of 3750gr or more. The time for cervical dilatation from 7 to 10 cm and duration of the second stage of labor did not influence maternal morbidity or fetal outcome, regardless of the method of anesthesia.