title: Balloon compression as treatment for refractory vaginal hemorrhage.
abstract: Severe vaginal hemorrhage is a rare presenting condition but serious life threat in the emergency department (ED). Initial management has historically been limited to vaginal packing, fluid resuscitation, and emergency surgical intervention. An alternative approach to therapy is presented that can be effectively deployed in the ED. In the present case, balloon compression of the vaginal mucosa was successful in arresting life-threatening hemorrhage. The patient survived subsequent hemodynamic stabilization and surgical intervention and was ultimately discharged home.
authors.affiliation: Wright State University, Emergency Medicine, Kettering, OH, USA. schlicnr@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Nathaniel Ryan
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Schlicher
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000209:etiology; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D014624:Vaginal Fistula / Q000150:complications