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Rectus sheath hematoma: a simplified emergency surgical approach
Michael Mantelas1, Niki Katsiki, Polychronis Antonitsis
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
The Open Cardiovascular Medicine Journal
|June 11, 2011
Summary
Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) can cause hypovolemic shock. Emergency ligation of the inferior epigastric artery offers a safe and effective technique for immediate hemodynamic stabilization when conservative management fails.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sciences
- Surgical Procedures
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon condition.
- RSH often results from trauma or coagulation issues but can be spontaneous.
- While typically benign, RSH can lead to severe hypovolemic shock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel surgical technique for managing rectus sheath hematoma.
- To describe the emergency ligation of the inferior epigastric artery for RSH.
- To highlight the technique's efficacy in achieving hemodynamic stabilization.
Main Methods:
- Surgical exploration for refractory RSH.
- Emergency ligation of the inferior epigastric artery.
- Anatomical consideration of the artery's origin in the posterior rectus sheath.
Main Results:
- The proposed technique involves direct ligation of the inferior epigastric artery.
- This approach is anatomically straightforward due to the artery's location.
- Immediate hemodynamic stabilization was achieved using this method.
Conclusions:
- Emergency ligation of the inferior epigastric artery is a viable surgical option for RSH.
- The technique provides rapid control of bleeding and stabilizes patients.
- This method offers a simple and safe solution for severe rectus sheath hematoma.
