Double-balloon Catheter Versus Prostaglandin E2 for Cervical Ripening and Labour Induction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

(BJOG. 2017;124:891–899) Induction of labor is occurring more frequently, and many studies have been performed to determine the most effective and safest induction techniques. An important component of successful labor induction is effective cervical ripening. Both mechanical and pharmacologic methods of cervical ripening have been used. One of the mechanical techniques involves the use of a double-balloon catheter specifically designed for this use. In this systematic review and meat-analysis, the effectiveness of the double-balloon catheter was compared with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to achieve cervical ripening and successful labor induction.