Bakri balloon placement in the successful management of postpartum hemorrhage in a bicornuate uterus: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum hemorrhage is an obstetric emergency that accounts for 25% of maternal deaths worldwide. Initial management consists of uterotonic administration but in cases in which there is a failure of response to medication, uterine cavity tamponade can be effective. This is the first reported case of successful Bakri balloon placement in the management of postpartum hemorrhage at the time of cesarean delivery in a patient with a bicornuate uterus. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patient was a primigravid female who presented at 40 weeks and 1 day gestation with known bicornuate uterus and findings suggestive of placental abruption. Labor was subsequently induced and magnesium was administered after a diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features was made. Cesarean delivery was then performed for category II fetal heart rate tracing remote from delivery. Intraoperative course was significant for uterine atony unresponsive to oxytocin, carboprost, methylergonovine and misoprostol administration. The right uterine horn was noted to be markedly atonic compared to the left. A Bakri balloon was then placed transvaginally and inflated with 600 mL of saline in this location. Atony then resolved. DISCUSSION: Although uterine malformation is not a documented contraindication to Bakri balloon placement, there is no literature on its efficacy in the treatment of hemorrhage in the presence of this anomaly. CONCLUSION: In the management of postpartum hemorrhage, Bakri balloon placement is associated with success in the presence of a bicornuate uterus. Care should be taken to direct insertion of the balloon in the appropriate location.