Current management of severe pelvic and perineal trauma

Mortality associated with pelvic and perineal trauma (PPT) has fallen from 25% to 10% in the last decade thanks to progress accomplished in medical, surgical and interventional radiology domains (Dyer and Vrahas, 2006) [1]. The management strategy depends on the hemodynamic status of the patient (stable, unstable or extremely unstable). Open trauma requires specific treatment in addition to control of bleeding. All surgical centers can be confronted some day with patients with hemorrhagic PPT and for this reason, all surgeons should be familiar with the initial management. In expert centers, management of patients with severe PPT is complex, multidisciplinary and often requires several re-interventions. Obstetrical and sexual trauma, also requiring specific management, will not be dealt with herein.