The uterine sandwich for persistent uterine atony: combining the B-Lynch compression suture and an intrauterine Bakri balloon.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of surgical interventions for control of postpartum hemorrhage.

Study Design: At cesarean delivery, patients with persistent bleeding from uterine atony after the administration of oxytonics were treated with the placement of a B-Lynch suture. When the B-Lynch failed, subsequent placement of an intrauterine Bakri balloon followed. This combination is termed the uterine sandwich.

Results: The uterine sandwich was successful for all 5 patients undergoing this approach. The median nadir hematocrit was 21.1% (range 20.1% to 28%). The balloon was in place for a median duration of 11 hours (range 10-24 hours). The median volume infused into the balloon was 100 mL (range 60-250 mL). No complications were observed.

Conclusion: Placing an intrauterine Bakri balloon in conjunction with the B-Lynch uterine compression suture was successful in treating uterine atony.