[Use of the B-Lynch suture technique in postpartum hemorrhage].

BACKGROUND

Serious postpartum haemorrhage occurs in approximately 1.4% of all deliveries in Norway and may result in hysterectomy. Stepwise devascularisation and hysterectomy are technically difficult and time consuming. A simple suture technique, B-Lynch suture, has recently been introduced, by which atonic postpartum haemorrhage may be controlled and hysterectomy avoided.

MATERIAL, METHODS AND RESULTS: We have used the B-Lynch technique in five patients with serious postpartum uterine atonia and haemorrhage. In all patients serious bleeding and hysterectomy were avoided. Three of the patients are described in detail, one with failed induction of labour resulting in Caesarean section, one with placenta previa, and one with prolonged normal vaginal delivery.

INTERPRETATION

If performed early, the B-Lynch suture technique is less mutilating to the woman; it may prevent excessive blood loss and is probably beneficial for the patient's future fertility. It is easy to perform in Caesarean sections and can be adopted in vaginal deliveries.