Massive secondary postpartum haemorrhage managed with insertion of a Bakri balloon catheter after surgical evacuation of the uterus

Massive secondary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) can be life threatening. A case of massive secondary PPH is presented which was managed by uterotonic agents, evacuation of the uterus and insertion of an intra-uterine balloon catheter to control bleeding and avoid the need for other surgical interventions such as laparotomy and hysterectomy. However, massive secondary PPH following caesarean section invariably requires hysterectomy, as does secondary PPH from severe sepsis.