Objective: To assess cervical changes, duration of oxytocin infusion, mode of delivery and complications after cervical ripening using a double balloon device in women with a previous caesarean section. Methods: Longitudinal study including 80 women with a previous caesarean section, no previous vaginal delivery and an unfavourable cervix (Bishop score < 4). Two groups were established: a double balloon device was used with 32 women (exposed) and not with the others (non-exposed) (48). Statistical analysis was performed by comparing means (Student's t-test and Welch's test or paired Student's t-tests), or by comparing proportions (Chi square or Fisher's tests). Results: The mean number of hours of oxytocin infusion was statistically significantly higher in the nonexposed group (14.09 ± 6.05 vs 9.78 ± 3.95; p < 0.001), and in the exposed group the Bishop score increased after removing the double balloon device (3.22 ± 2.03 vs 1.16 ± 1.30; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the mode of delivery, rates of intrapartum fever or chorioamnionitis. Conclusion: The double balloon device for cervical ripening prior to induction with oxytocin in women with a previous caesarean section improves Bishop scores without increasing the rates of complications and decreasing the time for which oxytocin is required.

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