A 26-year-old primigravida at 39 weeks undergoes vacuum extraction for prolonged second stage. The vacuum cup is placed 3 cm anterior to the lambda. After delivery, the newborn has a localized swelling that crosses the suture lines and is fluctuant. What is the most likely complication?
- A Cephalohematoma
- B Subgaleal hemorrhage ✓
- C Caput succedaneum
- D Intracranial hemorrhage
Correct answer: B. Subgaleal hemorrhage
Explanation
Subgaleal hemorrhage is a potential complication of vacuum extraction where blood accumulates in the potential space beneath the galea aponeurotica, allowing swelling to cross suture lines. Cephalohematoma is confined by the periosteum and does not cross sutures. Caput succedaneum is edema that crosses sutures but is not a blood collection and is less life-threatening.
Reference: Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.