Double-balloon cervical ripening insertion for terminating CSP associated with low morbidity

A new study evaluated the efficacy of double-balloon cervical ripening catheter insertion for terminating cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) before nine weeks of gestation––a potentially life-threatening condition. 

Here, participants diagnosed with CSP underwent a sterile, double-balloon cervical ripening catheter insertion guided by real-time transabdominal ultrasound – which was removed three days later. The control group received systemic methotrexate (MTX) therapy with or without fetal reduction. 

Treatment failed in five cases out of 35 patients in the double-balloon ripening group and 32 in the MTX group. The success rate difference between the two methods was statistically insignificant. While there were significant differences in the time to normal menstruation and the thickness of the myometrium after surgery, no significant difference was observed in the resolution time of β-HCG or pregnancy residue. 

It was concluded that double-balloon cervical ripening insertion is an effective and minimally invasive method for terminating CSP, with acceptable results and low morbidity, including the prevention of bleeding due to its tamponade properties.

Source: Tarafdari A, Hadizadeh A, Irandoost E, Borna S, Ghamari A, GhotbizadehVahdani F.The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India. 2024 :1-9.