title: A pilot study of Foley's catheter balloon for prevention of intrauterine adhesions following breach of uterine cavity in complex myoma surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  During abdominal myomectomy for removal of multiple fibroids, the uterine cavity may be breached. Repair of the breach is associated with a risk of development of intrauterine adhesions. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of temporary placement of a Foley's catheter balloon inflated with 30 ml normal saline into uterine cavity at the end of surgery to prevent this complication.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective cohort study. When the uterine cavity was breached during open myomectomy, it was repaired with a No. 2-0 vicryl suture. A Foley catheter balloon was inserted into the uterine cavity at the end of the procedure, and the balloon distended with 30 ml of normal saline. The balloon was removed on the fourth post-operative day. Follow-up hysteroscopy was performed after 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the time of follow-up hysteroscopy 6 months after the myomectomy, we found no intrauterine adhesions in 16 consecutive women treated with balloon, compared to 3 out of 10 (30 %) historical controls where the balloon was not used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A Foley catheter balloon inserted into the uterine cavity following breach and repair of the uterine cavity at open myomectomy appears to prevent the formation of intrauterine adhesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. George's Hospital and NHS Trust, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK.
authors.forename: Sahana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Vikram Sinai
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Talaulikar
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Onwude
authors.forename: Isaac
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Manyonda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D057785:Catheters; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D018231:Leiomyomatosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D063186:Uterine Myomectomy; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*