Next, the posterior branch of the internal iliac artery is separated from the internal iliac vein and a right-angled clamp is used to place two ligatures around each of the vessels. It is important to check the external iliac artery to confirm that adequate pulse pressure is present for perfusion of distal branches. It is also important to inspect the ureters for signs of trauma. Once these are completed, the steps are repeated on the contralateral side [11]. Please refer to Figure 4 for an anatomic depiction. Complications of this procedure can be severe, including ischemic damage to the pelvis, decreased blood flow to the gluteal muscles (if the ligation is performed above the branch point of the posterior

branch, or injury to the iliac vessels [11]. Hysterectomy Hysterectomy is the last line of treatment available for treating post-partum LY3023414 hemorrhage attributed to uterine bleeding. selleck chemical It is only used for hemorrhage unresponsive to other management attempts, as it removes the patient’s option to bear additional children [40]. Recently, the subtotal hysterectomy has become a preferable procedure in this situation. It is quicker, associated with less blood loss, reduced

intra- & postoperative complications and reduced need for further blood transfusion [41]. However, if the bleeding source is found in the lower segment of the uterus, a total hysterectomy is needed [11]. Unfortunately, both subtotal and total hysterectomy completed for post-partum hemorrhage is associated with high rates of maternal mortality [40]. A midline or transverse incision is used to open the abdomen. The bowels are packed out of the operating field to protect them from injury. The round ligaments are identified bilaterally, then clamped,

divided and ligated. Next, the posterior leaf of the broad ligament is identified. It is perforated just inferior to the Fallopian tubes so that the utero-ovarian ligament and ovarian vessel can be clamped, divided and ligated. This step is repeated on the opposite side. Now, the broad ligament is detached: the posterior leaf is divided up to the uterosacral ligaments, and the anterior leaf is divided down to the superior margin of the bladder. The bladder is mobilized by making an incision in the Interleukin-2 receptor vesicouterine fold of the peritoneum then bluntly dissecting the fascia away. By dissecting with a downward placement of tissue, the ureters should be pushed out of the operating field and out of harm’s way. Next, the uterine vessels are identified bilaterally. Each is clamped close to the uterus so they may be divided and ligated. If a subtotal hysterectomy is adequate, the procedure is completed by transecting the cervix and closing the residual stump with interrupted stitches. If a total hysterectomy is necessary, the bladder is dissected away from the cervix until the superior portion of the vagina can be identified. The cardinal ligaments are located, again clamping each before their division and ligation.