Use of a condom to control massive postpartum hemorrhage

To evaluate the efficacy of a condom as a tamponade for intrauterine pressure to stop massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

This prospective study was done in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh, between July 2001 and December 2002.

During the study period, 152 cases of PPH were identified; 109 were managed medically; 20 were managed using the B-Lynch procedure, and 23 were managed using the condom catheter. Patients were selected for intervention with the condom catheter when PPH that occurred as a result of atonicity or morbid adhesion (accreta) could not be controlled by uterotonics or a surgical procedure. In patients who were in shock due to massive hemorrhage, a condom catheter was introduced immediately without prior medical management.

With aseptic precautions, a sterile rubber catheter fitted with a condom was introduced into the uterus. The condom was inflated with 250-500 mL normal saline, according to need. The condom catheter was kept for 24-48 hours, depending upon the initial intensity of blood loss, and gradually deflated when bleeding ceased.

(1) Ability of condom catheter to stop bleeding; (2) time required to stop bleeding after the tamponade was applied; (3) subsequent morbidity in terms of severe infection, despite use of prophylactic antibiotics.

In all 23 cases in which the condom catheter was used, bleeding stopped within 15 minutes. No patient needed further intervention. No patient went into irreversible shock. There was no intrauterine infection as documented by clinical signs and symptoms and culture and sensitivity of high vaginal swab.

The hydrostatic condom catheter can control PPH quickly and effectively. It is simple to use, inexpensive, and safe. In developing countries where PPH remains a primary cause of maternal mortality, any healthcare provider involved in delivery may use this procedure for controlling massive PPH to save the lives of patients.