Pelvic packing as a life-saving intervention in the referral of patients with obstetric hemorrhage: comparing outcomes in referred and non-referred patients.

Abstract

Background: Obstetric hemorrhage continues to be a major contributor to maternal deaths and health complications globally. Pelvic packing, a method used in trauma surgery to control severe bleeding, has been successfully applied to treat obstetric hemorrhages. This research aimed to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of pelvic packing for patients with obstetric hemorrhage, especially in the context of patient referrals.

Materials and methods: A comparative observational study was carried out on 45 patients who received pelvic packing for obstetric hemorrhage at a hospital in southern Turkey from 2010 to 2024. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had the procedure at the study hospital (non-referred group, n = 27) and those who were referred from other facilities (referred group, n = 18). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were examined using descriptive statistics and comparative tests.

Results: There were no significant differences in complications and mortality between the two groups. The overall survival rate was 82.2%. Sepsis was more common in patients referred from Syria, likely due to inadequate conditions.

Conclusion: The pelvic packing technique is a simple, quick, and effective method for managing obstetric hemorrhage, particularly in resource-limited developing countries. Mastery of this technique is essential for all gynecologists, both for initial patient care and in referral situations.