Vaginal prostaglandin E versus double-balloon catheter for induction of labour for vaginal birth after caesarean section: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the success of the double-balloon catheter (DBC) versus prostaglandin gel (PGE2) for induction of labour in women with one previous caesarean section.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected maternity data in a Tertiary NHS hospital, North West England, UK. Women with a live singleton cephalic pregnancy induced using DBC or PGE2 after one previous birth by caesarean section from 1st April 2017 to 1st July 2019 were included. The core outcomes assessed were the inability to perform artificial rupture of membranes, requirement of oxytocin, vaginal birth and uterine rupture.

RESULTS

208 women met the inclusion criteria, 127 were induced using the DBC and 81 using PGE2. The two groups were well matched for demographics and characteristics. Women induced for prolonged ruptured membranes with PGE2 were excluded from the study leaving 127 managed with DBC and 69 with PGE2. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups. Vaginal birth rates were 52.7% for the DBC and 66.6% for the PGE2 (relative risk 0.79 (confidence interval 0.63-1.00); P = 0.05). A single uterine rupture was reported following DBC usage.

CONCLUSIONS

The DBC and PGE2 appear to be equally effective for induction of labour in women with one previous caesarean section.