Background Multiple pharmacological, mechanical and complementary methods are available to induce labour. and data from the literature suggest that most interventions have similar utility, differing mainly in cost. The decision to apply different techniques is linked to the availability of pharmacological treatments and medical devices at the centre. To introduce mechanical induction of labour with the cervical ripening balloon (CRB), a pilot test was conducted to locally assess the need and the feasibility of the new technology.

Purpose The objective is to evaluate the introduction of CRB at the centre.

Material and methods A clinical pilot test was conducted to compare CRB to the pharmacological method already used at the centre (slow-release vaginal PGE2 insert, Propess). The two induction methods were tested during 6 months in the delivery room (March to August 2018). Patients included were women with intact or ruptured membranes, at different gestational ages, with low (<3) Bishop score. The success of induction was defined as achievement of uncomplicated vaginal delivery. The number of vaginal deliveries within 24 hours and of caesarean sections were investigated and compared for both methods. Economic consequences for both methods were analysed.

Results A total of 56 patients were included in two groups, homogeneous for indications to induction and obstetric characteristics. The success of induction was comparable in the two groups. The time needed to achieve delivery by the vaginal route was on average longer with CRB (25%>24 hours) than with Propess (7%>24 hours), (p<0.05). Caesarean sections were comparable in the two groups (14% with CRB; 14% with Propess), however the reasons were different (one case of uterine hyperstimulation with fetal heart rate changes in the CRB group). The CRB group was associated with lower costs directly related to the method (-€1,371.16), however associated hospitalisation costs were higher due to longer hospitalisation (5 days versus 4 days).

Conclusion Even though CRB is an effective method to induce labour at a lower cost than Propess in our pilot test, a longer hospitalisation length was observed with this device. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and all direct costs involved in these techniques and also considering other available methods.

References and/or acknowledgements None.

No conflict of interest.