CONTROL OF POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE WITH UTERINE PACKING

OBJECTIVE: A historic survey of the literature and nine recent example s of uterine packing for control of postpartum hemorrhage are presente d. Once a frequently practiced art, intracavitary packing for the cont rol of uterine postpartum bleeding became a lost skill to most physici ans after the 1950s. Objections to the practice are presented through a review of the literature. STUDY DESIGN: The technique of uterine pac king is critical in the control of hemorrhage and is briefly reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Whether used early or late in patient managem ent, uterine packing for the control of postpartum hemorrhage is a saf e, quick, and effective procedure.