Life-saving with a vaginal condom catheter in postpartum haemorrhage due to vaginal lacerations in a low-resource setting

Abstract

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to multiple vaginal lacerations is difficult to manage and tamponade is used as a life-saving measure. Condom catheter with stay sutures at the vaginal introitus for this purpose has not been reported. We describe successfully managing PPH due to multiple vaginal lacerations following a forceps delivery using a condom tied to an 18 FG Foley catheter. The device was introduced to the vagina, inflated with 700 mL of normal saline and was held in situ by sealing the vaginal introitus with interrupted nylon stitches running between the labia minora. Condom catheter is cheap and freely available in low-resource settings. The preparation and application can be done by a less experienced operator.