Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing/External Fixation with Secondary Angioembolization: Optimal Care for Life-Threatening Hemorrhage from Unstable Pelvic Fractures

Abstract

PPP/EF was effective in controlling hemorrhage from unstable pelvic fractures. None of these high-risk patients died due to pelvic bleeding. Secondary angioembolization was needed in a minority, permitting selective use of this resource-demanding intervention. Additionally, PPP/EF temporizes arterial hemorrhage, providing valuable transfer time for facilities without angiography. With other urgent operative interventions required in >85% of patients, combining these procedures with PPP/EF for operative pelvic hemorrhage control appears to optimize patient care.