Publication:

Evaluating condom catheter balloon tamponade in non-traumatic postpartum haemorrhage resistant to medical management

Background Obstetric haemorrhage remains the most important cause of maternal mortality worldwide accounting for 25% of maternal deaths annually. The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy of a condom catheter assembly for uterine tamponade in the management of non-traumatic postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

Methods It was a prospective interventional study done in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. Thirty three women with intractable PPH unresponsive to medical management were managed by uterine balloon tamponade using a condom-catheter assembly prior to surgical intervention.

Results The catheter successfully controlled haemorrhage in 31 out of 33 patients. In both the failed cases, hysterectomy was required. Among the failed cases there was one maternal death due to sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). In cases where the balloon was successful, it was removed around 24 hours later and no further bleeding or complication was observed.

Conclusions Placement of a condom catheter balloon can successfully treat non-traumatic PPH refractory to medical management. It is simple, inexpensive, easily, available and in those with successful placement no procedure related morbidity was observed. The potential for it to be used by inexperienced operators in areas with limited resources makes it a useful tool in management of PPH.