Short-term clinical outcomes of postoperative intrapelvic bleeding after extended pelvic surgery: a single institute experience

Abstract

Background/aim: Intrapelvic bleeding after extended pelvic surgery is fatal, but few reports have addressed this serious situation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the short-term clinical outcome of this complication.

Patients and methods: This study was a retrospective medical chart review of 130 patients who underwent extended pelvic surgery between 2000 and 2012 at our Institute. Based on the classification of the bleeding pelvic artery, how initial hemostasis and control of secondary pelvic abscess were mainly evaluated.

Results: In 6 patients, bleeding involved a peripheral artery (peripheral group) and 4 a main artery (central group). For initial hemostasis, interventional radiology was efficacious. Compared to the peripheral group, even if initial hemostasis succeeded, unsatisfactory abscess drainage easily became fatal in the central group.

Conclusion: Aggressive surgical abscess drainage should be considered at an appropriate time for optimal survival in patients with involvement of a main artery with insufficient tube drainage.

Keywords: Postoperative complication; extended pelvic surgery; intrapelvic bleeding.