Internal packing in the control of hemorrhage from large retroperitoneal veins.
BACKGROUND
Hemorrhage from large retroperitoneal veins is usually controlled by suturing the venous tear. Infrequently, the extent and location of the tear and amount of hemorrhage preclude successful suturing.


METHODS
In seven patients with severe hemorrhage from large retroperitoneal veins encountered in association with resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma (6) or repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (1), packing of the area with sufficient amounts of Surgicel (Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson, Somerville, NJ) and pressure for one half hour was used.


RESULTS
All seven patients did not show any bleeding postoperatively and no clinical sequelae developed, with the exception of one patient who developed an abscess requiring drainage.


CONCLUSIONS
Internal packing with Surgicel appears to be reliable in controlling venous hemorrhage not manageable by the standard methods and may be preferable to roll gauze packing.
Dryjski
Maciej L
ML
Department of Surgery, Kaleida Health, Millard Fillmore Hospital, 3 Gates Circle, Buffalo, NY 14209, USA. mdryjski@kaleidahealth.org
Litwinski
Roman A
RA
Karakousis
Constantine P
CP
D000368:Aged; D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000601:surgery; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D001458:Bandages; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000601:surgery; D013536:Suture Techniques