Korean J Obstet Gynecol.
2003 Aug;46(8):1577-1584.
Aortic Compression to Control Massive Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gachon Medical School, Gil Hospital, Inchon, Korea.
Abstract
- Traditionally postpartum hemorrhage is a bleeding more than 500 ml that occurs immediately after the placenta is delivered. It remains one of the most common causes of maternal mortality. Morbid adhesion of the placenta is emerging as a major cause of massive postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to medical therapy. We experienced three cases of major postpartum hemorrhage over 5,000 ml, developed from anterior placenta previa totalis with adhesion of placenta. The hemorrhage had been controlled successfully by compressing abdominal aorta intermittently with the operator's hand during Cesarean hysterectomy. In immediate life- threatening postpartum hemorrhage this simple and safe technique can be used in slowing the bleeding while stabilizing the patient and preparing for definitive treatment.
