Novel combined strategy of obstetric haemorrhage management during caesarean section using intrauterine balloon tamponade.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the performance of a combined strategy of postpartum haemorrhage management, based upon thromboelastographic (TEG) assessment of coagulation, early surgical haemostasis and mechanical compression of the uterine wall combined with uterine cavity draining, via intrauterine balloon tamponade (BT).

METHODS

We carried out an open controlled trial, which included 119 women with obstetric haemorrhage (main group - combined strategy: n = 90, control group - conventional strategy: n = 29). The combined strategy included three essential components: (1) early surgical haemostasis, (2) mechanical pressure upon the uterine wall and draining of the uterine cavity via BT and (3) treatment of blood coagulation disorders identified via TEG.

RESULTS

The combined haemorrhage management strategy resulted in significantly lower number of peripartum hysterectomies compared with standard management (4.44% versus 31.03%, respectively, p = 0.02). Blood loss of >2000 ml occurred significantly less common in the main group compared with the control group (16.2% versus 27.6%, respectively, p = 0.03). Mean total blood loss after combined management was significantly lower than after the standard approach (2502 ± 203 ml versus 1836 ± 108 ml, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed combined strategy of obstetric haemorrhage management represents a powerful tool for fertility-sparing treatment of this life-threatening condition.