Management of massive postpartum haemorrhage: use of a hydrostatic ballooncatheter to avoid laparotomy

Postpartum haemorrhage remains a significant complication of childbirth in the UK and worldwide. The most common cause of postpartum haemorrhage is ut erine atony, but placent accreta is becoming more frequent. In these situat ions tamponade may be required. The successful use of the inflated stomach balloon (300ml) of a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube has been reported previously . We describe an innovative method of 'tamponade' which is simple and effec tive, using the Rusch urological hydrostatic balloon catheter. In two cases of failed medical therapy for PPH, where the catheter has been tried, furt her surgical interventions have been avoided.