Abstract: Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is an acute emergency in obstetrics which is highly related to maternal mortality if not manage urgently. PPH has been defined as blood loss more than 500 ml following vaginal delivery and more than 1000 ml following caserean section. Another definition is any blood loss which causes a 10% drop in hematocrite or which threaten the hemodynamic stability of the patients is defined as PPH.
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy of a condom catheter tamponade in the management of atonic postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) where single medical method has failed.
Methods: It was a prospective interventional study done in jhalawar medical college Rajasthan, India. Twenty five women with intractable PPH unresponsive to medical management were managed by uterine balloon tamponade using a condom-catheter assembly prior to surgical intervention. Under aseptic precaution,a sterile foleys catheter fitted with a condom, was introduce into the uterus. condom was inflated with 250-500cc Normal saline according to need. vaginal bleeding was observed for 15 min. If bleeding stop then tamponade was continued along with oxytocin and if bleeding not stop then patient taken for surgical management.
Results: The catheter successfully controlled haemorrhage in all 25 (100%) patients. In cases where the balloon was successful, it was removed around 24-48 hours later and no further bleeding or complication was observed.
Conclusions: Placement of a condom catheter balloon can successfully treat atonic PPH refractory to medical management. It is simple, inexpensive, easily available and requires lesser skills in limited resources area.