Abdominal packing for intractable obstetrical and gynecologic hemorrhage

Hemorrhage continues to be a serious complication of both obstetrical and gynecologic surgeries. Physicians have used packing in cases of uncontrollable hemorrhage for many years, and this article reports on a modification of standard packing techniques that prevents some of the limitations of traditional packing. This technique was used in 1 patient after cesarean hysterectomy and 3 patients after debulking surgery for advanced gynecologic cancer. The pack consists of a wide piece of ribbon gauze and a Penrose drain. One end of the ribbon gauze is draped over a layer of surgicel (oxidized regenerated cellulose), while the rest is threaded through a 1-inch Penrose drain tightly folded several times to maintain pressure over the bleeding area. The other end of the Penrose drain, with the ribbon gauze visible within it, is inserted through a stab incision in the ipsilateral side of the lower abdomen. This technique allows for continuous bleeding assessment and easy removal of the gauze at bedside.