Time to test tamponade

The general surgical principle of applying direct pressure at the site of haemorrhage has been applied in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) by means of an assortment of inflatable devices introduced into the uterine cavity. Over the last 23 years several reports and reviews in the BJOG and elsewhere have documented the apparent effectiveness of uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) for treatment of PPH. A large study in 2016 reported a success rate after vaginal delivery of 89% (152/171) and concluded that intrauterine balloon tamponade is an effective method for treating severe PPH. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.