Comparison of efficacy of uterine gauze paking and intra uterine balloon tamponade in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of uterine gauze packing and intrauterine balloon tamponade in the management of postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to medical therapy. Study Design: Comparative Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at AJK Medical College, Muzaffarabad, Period: August 2025 to January 2026. Methods: A total of 120 women with primary postpartum hemorrhage were included and divided into two groups. Group A included women in which uterine gauze packing was used and Group B included women in which intrauterine balloon tamponade technique was utilized. Outcomes assessed included successful control of hemorrhage need for additional surgical intervention, blood transfusion requirements, maternal complications and duration of hospital stay. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Hemorrhage was successfully controlled in 48 patients (80.0%) in the uterine gauze packing group and 56 patients (93.3%) in the intrauterine balloon tamponade group (p = 0.03). The need for additional surgical intervention was significantly higher in the gauze packing group (20.0%) compared to the balloon tamponade group (6.7%). Patients managed with balloon tamponade required fewer blood transfusions and had lower rates of maternal complications and shorter hospital stays. Conclusion: Intrauterine balloon tamponade is more effective and safe technique than uterine gauze packing in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Its use is associated with higher success rates, reduced need for surgical intervention, fewer complications and improved maternal outcomes. However, uterine gauze packing remains a useful alternative in resource-limited settings.