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AJP Rep 2011; 01(01): 047-052
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280570
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Uterine Compression Sutures as an Effective Treatment for Postpartum Hemorrhage: Case Series

Nihal Al Riyami
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook, Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
2   Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Sunnybrook, Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
,
Dini Hui
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook, Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
2   Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Sunnybrook, Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
,
Elaine Herer
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook, Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
,
Ori Nevo
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook, Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
2   Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Sunnybrook, Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
09 June 2011 (online)

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Abstract

We evaluated the role of uterine compression sutures as a conservative treatment for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after failed medical treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who delivered between 2003 and 2009 at a single tertiary care center and who underwent uterine compression sutures for PPH. Twelve women had uterine compression sutures for PPH. The mean age of the patients was 36.3 ± 5.2 years. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.7 ± 2.0 weeks, and the average estimated blood loss was 2.1 ± 1.1 L. The mean procedure time to perform the uterine compression sutures was 9.3 ± 2.8 minutes. The success rate of compression sutures was 92% with only one failure resulting in a hysterectomy. Uterine compression sutures are an effective method for the treatment of PPH, thus avoiding hysterectomy and preserving potential fertility.

Keywords

Fertility - postpartum hemorrhage - uterine compression sutures
 

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