Year Book: Retroperitoneal Hematomas of Traumatic Origin

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Henao-Francisco. Aldrete-Joaquin-S. Surg. Gynecol. Obstet. 1985 Aug. 161. pp 106-116. This is another of a series of recent articles pointing out the high morbidity and mortality associated with retroperitoneal hematomas. Once again, the hematomas in association with pelvic fracture only are seen to be the exception to the rule for exploring retroperitoneal hematomas. Since bleeding sites associated with pelvic fractures are so difficult to control, it seems wise to not explore these hematomas. If bleeding persists, it would seem best to attempt to control it by selective arterial embolization.--G. Tom Shires, M.D.