Comparison between Foley’s catheter balloon and locally prostaglandin E2 for cervical ripening and labor induction at full term

Intro duction Induction of labor is a frequent obstetric technique. Mechanical approaches (e.g. Foley’s catheter) as well as medications (e.g. prostaglandins) are employed for labor induction in cases with an unfavorable cervix. Aim The aim of this study was to detect the efficacy, the advantages, and disadvantages of using transcervical Foley’s catheter balloon and prostaglandins E2 tablet(s) as a preinduction cervical ripening agent for induction of labor. Patients and methods This was a randomized controlled trial, carried out at El Galaa Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, from September 2020 till March 2021. It included 100 women, divided into two groups: group A (included 50 cases that received transcervical Foley’s catheter balloon) and group B [included 50 cases that received vaginal dinoprostone E2 (Dinoglandin)]. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding Bishop score preinduction, amniotic fluid index, and time to active labor. However, the duration of active labor was significantly longer in group A compared with group B. Indications for cesarean section were significantly lower in group A compared with group B. Apgar score at 1 min was significantly lower in group A compared with group B. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding Apgar score at 5 min and admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Conclusion The double-balloon catheter is as effective as local prostaglandin E2 agents in cervical ripening and labor induction. It could be a suitable alternative to conventional pharmacological approaches for cervical ripening and labor induction.