In the 1980s prostaglandin analogues were introduced for induction of labour without good evidence of superiority over older methods, such as Foley catheter. The aim of this thesis was to... Show moreIn the 1980s prostaglandin analogues were introduced for induction of labour without good evidence of superiority over older methods, such as Foley catheter. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the use of Foley catheter as an induction agent in women with an unfavourable cervix at term, compared to prostaglandins. The studies in this thesis demonstrate that Foley catheter yields similar caesarean sectio rates compared to vaginally administered prostaglandins, making both methods equally effective. Findings from RCTs and meta-analysis in this dissertation show reduced side effects with Foley catheter. Costs are comparable, and could further be reduced in favour of Foley catheter when used in an outpatient setting. This makes Foley catheter a superior method, with potential for outpatient cervical ripening, cervical ripening in low-resource settings, and cervical ripening in women with prior caesarean birth. Show less
Baaren, G.J. van; Jozwiak, M.; Opmeer, B.C.; Rengerink, K.O.; Benthem, M.; Dijksterhuis, M.G.K.; ... ; Bloemenkamp, K.W.M. 2013
