Successful management of second-trimester postabortion hemorrhage with an intrauterine tamponade balloon

Abstract

Background: Legally induced abortion is a safe procedure. However, hemorrhage is a significant cause of abortion-related morbidity and mortality. We describe a case in which a uterine tamponade balloon was successfully used to control a second-trimester postabortion hemorrhage. Case: A gravida 1 para 0 woman underwent dilation and evacuation at 18 weeks of gestation for fetal aneuploidy. Her procedure was complicated by intraoperative hemorrhage not resulting from uterine atony. This was successfully managed by tamponade with a large intrauterine balloon. Conclusion: Uterine balloon tamponade should be considered in the management of second-trimester postabortion hemorrhage unresponsive to medical therapy. © 2009 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.