[May the internal iliac artery in the pelvic area be ligated in situ bilaterally for hemostasis? Indications and contraindications].

The bilateral ligation of the internal iliac arteries in situ is successful in preventing haemostasis and the treatment of potentially lethal haemorrhage. In spite of using a resorbable thread (catgut) for ligation a complete recanalization of this large artery could only be observed after nine months in an animal experiment. Clinically this ligation of the artery in situ without severance has not impaired erective potency in patients with an otherwise healthy vascular system. Since many patients did not show any disturbance prior to the vessel's recanalization the early established parallel circulation is sufficient to compensate for the perfusion deficit. A contraindication for the ligation is a previous major procedure, especially, in cases of irradiation or an occlusive vascular disease.