Study On Factors Affecting The Success Of Foley’s Catheter Induction In A Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Aim:To evaluate the maternal and clinical factors influencing the success of Foley’s catheter induction for labour at a tertiary care center in Chennai, India.

Objective: To evaluate the maternal and clinical factors influencing the success of Foley’s catheter induction for labour at a tertiary care center in Chennai, India.Understanding these determinants can help obstetricians optimise induction strategies,improve patient outcomes,and minimize unnecessary cesarean deliveries.

Methods: A longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to March 2025, involving 50 pregnant women undergoing Foley’s induction with a 22F Foley’s catheter inflated with 50 ml sterile saline and left in place for 24 hours. Data were collected from medical records, including demographic details (age, height, weight, BMI, parity, gravidity), clinical factors (gestational age, Bishop score, uterine height, abdominal circumference, indications), and outcomes (success defined as vaginal delivery within 24–48 hours, neonatal weight, Apgar scores. Failure defined as:The need to use alternative methods of induction due to inadequate cervical ripening, orThe requirement for Lower Segment Cesarean Section (LSCS) due to failed induction or non-progression of labour).Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results:Out of the 50 women who underwent Foley’s catheter induction, 34 (68%) achieved successful vaginal delivery within 24–48 hours. Success was significantly associated with younger maternal age, greater maternal height, lower maternal weight, and lower BMI. Higher parity and Bishop score also favored successful induction. Conversely, longer gestational age, increased uterine height, and larger abdominal circumference were linked to failure.Neonates born following successful inductions have better Apgar scores at five minutes. Multivariate regression analysis identified maternal age, height, BMI, and parity as independent predictors of successful induction.

Conclusion: Success of Foley’s catheter induction  is significantly influenced by maternal age, height, BMI, parity, and Bishop score. These insights advocate for personalized induction strategies to enhance efficacy and reduce cesarean rates in tertiary care settings.