Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Foley catheter has been increasingly used to induce labor but its use in grand-multiparous women with a previous uterine scar still needs further evaluation.

Aim: The objective of our study was to determine the success of the mechanical induction of labour (IOL) by using a Foley catheter in grand-multiparous women with a previous uterine scar in our labor unit.

METHOD
This study was carried out at a labor unit in Al-Corniche hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The study design was a retrospective chart review and the duration was from 1st Jan -31st December 2017. All patients that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were identified from the booking register in the study period and data was collected by reviewing the electronic medical record. Ethical approval was taken from the hospital ethics committee.

RESULTS
The mean age of participants was 33.5 years ±3.5. A total of 56 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria out of which 48 were offered MIOL through Foley catheter (8 women were booked at another setting for delivery). Bishop's score improved up to 3 ±0.5 points after insertion. Successful vaginal delivery was achieved in 37 women (77%) as compared to 11 women (22.9%) who proceeded with emergency C-section. Complications such as fever and post-partum hemorrhage were noted in 2 patients (4.06%) whereas none had uterine scar dehiscence or hyperstimulation.

CONCLUSION
The use of Foley’s catheter for MIOL was found to be a safe alternative to achieve vaginal birth in grand multiparous women in our setting where there are relative contraindications to prostaglandins and a high risk of uterine scar rupture.

Key words: mechanical induction of labour, cervical ripening, cervical balloon, Foley’s Catheter, Grand multipara