Internal iliac artery ligation in post-partum hemorrhage.

Between 1978 and 1986, internal iliac artery ligation was performed on eight patients undergoing treatment for severe post-partum hemorrhage, and disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIVC) combined with causal pathology was detected in five patients. This procedure was effective in controlling bleeding in eight patients and no hysterectomy was necessary. Post-operative follow-up was uncomplicated in six patients. One patient suffered from post-operative occlusion. Another patient suffered from renal failure, due to secondary cortical renal necrosis. Surgery is usually simple and does not pose any technical problems. This technique allows for the conservation of the reproductive functions, and two of the women became pregnant at a later stage. Obstetric hysterectomy can be avoided by using this technique. It is recommended in cases where DIVC does not respond to medical treatment and can furthermore be used by all surgeons.