Objective: The purpose of this review is to ascertain the indications, techniques, and the associated morbidity with the use of Bakri balloon.
Material and methods: A literature search using the PubMed database was conducted from 2001 to 2013. We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for complications.
Results: We identified 12 publications that met the inclusion criteria. Four reports provided the frequency of Bakri use during the study period, with the overall rate being 0.20% (138/69, 174; 95% CI, 0.17-0.25%). Two-thirds of use followed cesarean delivery (67%; 182/273). Uterine atony was specified as the underlying etiology of postpartum hemorrhage in 75% (9/12) of publication. The rate of balloon displacement was 10% (95% CI, 6-16%) and need for transfusion, 43% (95% CI, 32-55%). Hysterectomy was undertaken in 6% (95% CI, 4-10%).
Conclusions: There is a paucity of publications on Bakri balloon. Before its utilization is recommended in guidelines, a randomized clinical trial comparing uterotonics alone versus with balloon is warranted.
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.