ABSTRACT
Operative vaginal delivery using forceps or one of the several vacuum extraction instruments is still one of the hallmarks of an obstetrician and, in the last 100 years, has
probably saved more maternal and fetal lives than any other surgical instrument extant. Operative vaginal delivery does, however, have risks for both mother and infant just as there are also potential signicant maternal risks with delivery by cesarean section. Operative vaginal delivery is no longer an elective procedure but requires an appropriate indication as well as consent. If a spontaneous vaginal delivery is imminent, no operative delivery is indicated. erefore, the risk benet ratio for patients who are candidates for operative vaginal delivery should be weighed against the alternative of a cesarean delivery and not a spontaneous vaginal delivery. In this era of “modern” obstetrics, with the potential maternal and fetal risks in mind, teaching residents the use of obstetric forceps has become increasingly dicult but can still be included in a complete curriculum.3 Operative vaginal delivery with forceps or should only be performed by those who have the education and experience in the proper performance of their use.4
