Comparison of Intrauterine Balloon Tamponade Versus Gauze Packing in The Management of Post-Partum Hemorrhage

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mechanical interventions such as intrauterine balloon tamponade and uterine gauze packing are commonly used when medical management fails. Comparative evidence is essential to determine the more effective modality. Objective: To compare the efficacy of intrauterine balloon tamponade versus uterine gauze packing in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. A total of 214 women aged 18–40 years with postpartum hemorrhage following vaginal delivery were enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (intrauterine balloon tamponade, n=107) and Group B (uterine gauze packing, n=107). Efficacy was defined as complete cessation of bleeding within 24 hours post-intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 214 women were included, with 107 participants in each group. The mean age was 29.76 ± 6.49 years in the balloon group and 30.43 ± 6.44 years in the gauze group. Successful control of hemorrhage was achieved in 95 (88.8%) women in the intrauterine balloon tamponade group compared to 84 (78.5%) in the gauze packing group (p = 0.04). The mean blood loss was 564.29 ± 27.35 mL in Group A and 570.05 ± 25.23 mL in Group B. Conclusion: Intrauterine balloon tamponade demonstrated significantly higher efficacy in controlling postpartum hemorrhage compared to uterine gauze packing, supporting its use as the preferred first-line mechanical intervention in refractory cases.