Case report of uncontrollable pelvic bleeding--managed by a previously unreported method (QuikClot)

Pelvic haemorrhage can be difficult to control. Several measures including packing, drawing pins, stenting and embolization are available. We present a case where these measures failed to control catastrophic pelvic bleeding while operating in the pelvis to excise a dumbbell tumour involving the right S1 nerve root. Attempted surgical control by a vascular surgeon and radiological control through stenting and embolization failed to control the bleeding. QuikClot is an inert substance and acts as a selective sponge. This product is licensed for external use by the British military. We felt that 'internal' use of Quikclot in this situation might be lifesaving and was applied to the bleeding area, stopping the bleeding immediately.