Management of primary post partum hemorrhage by balloon tamponade

To assess the use of balloon tamponade in management of primary post partum hemorrhage. A retrospective review of postpartum records of women with massive postpartum hemorrhage between January 2003 and 2006. Primary postpartum hemorrhage were identified in 62 patients in which there was a blood loss of over 1000mls the records of 40 cases were reviewed. Two of 40 cases needed a hysterectomy seven women had been identified as being managed by insertion of inlrauterine balloon catheter of these six of seven were successfully managed one women needed a hysterectomy. We advocate the increase used of intrauterine balloon tamponade for the management of massive obstetric hemorrhage before resorting to invasive procedure