Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the SOS Bakri balloon and the handcrafted ball with condom in cases of postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atoning.

Methods:

Prospective study that included 12 patients with postpartum bleeding for uterine atony, without response to medical treatment. Uterine capping was performed with SOS Bakri balloon in 6 patients and with artisanal balloon in 6. All received oxytocin, antibiotic therapy and surveillance of vital signs and blood losses. The timely withdrawal protocol was followed.

Results:

The average age was 26-5.58 and 19.66-4.27 years, respectively. No risk factor for uterine atonia was identified in 10 patients; one had twin pregnancy with premature rupture of membranes and polyhydramnios. Uterine atoning occurred within 10 to 3.33 minutes of delivery and plugging was performed at an average of 15.55-6.82 minutes of diagnosis. Handcrafted ball treatment was successful in all cases. In Bakri's balloon group, a patient warranted immediate peripartum hysterectomy. The average duration of the capping was 7-3.09 and 8-0.8 hours respectively. Two patients required blood products. The hospital stay was 4-1.09 days for the Bakri group and 3.33-0.51 days for the artisanal group. The uterine height at placement was, on average, 20.5-1.87 cm and 20.5-0.54 cm for each group and at retreat was 17.33-1.03 cm and 17.66-0.51 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference in hemodynamic parameters.

Conclusion:

Both capping alternatives were reported to be useful and effective in reducing bleeding and treating postpartum bleeding.