R. Johanson et al., Management of massive postpartum haemorrhage: use of a hydrostatic ballooncatheter to avoid laparotomy, BR J OBST G, 108(4), 2001, pp. 420-422
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.