Efficacy of pelvic packing in maintaining hemostasis after rectal excision for cancer.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-1988

Abstract

In a retrospective study, the records of 95 patients who underwent rectal resection for carcinoma were reviewed to assess the efficacy and complications of pelvic packing for hemorrhage. Heavier blood loss was noted with fixed tumors, where preoperative radiation had been given, or there had been previous pelvic surgery, compared with situations where these factors were absent. Three patients died from myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolus, and renal failure, respectively. No patients required further hemostatic measures after pack removal. Perineal wound infection or delayed perineal wound healing occurred in 22 percent and abdominal wound infection in 6 percent of the patients. There were no instances of anastomotic leak, abdominal abscess, or pelvic abscess requiring laparotomy for treatment in this series. Pelvic packing is a safe, simple, and effective procedure for patients with problematic pelvic bleeding after rectal resection.

Volume

31

Issue

12

First Page

923

Last Page

928

ISSN

0012-3706

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

3215096

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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