[Pelvi-abdominal hematoma: a five years study].

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the incidence of pelvi-abdominal hematoma, to identify associated factors and to describe modalities of diagnosis and management.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A retrospective observational study including all patients presenting with a pelvi-abdominal hematoma among women who delivered between January 2005 and December 2010 in Toulouse university hospital.

RESULTS

Twenty five thousand, one hundred and eighty-four women delivered during the study period and nine women were included (estimated incidence: 1/4200 deliveries). The main associated obstetrical factors were perineal injuries (episiotomy or lacerations) in 100% of cases and instrumental extraction (spatula) in 50% of cases. Arterial embolisation was performed in one third of cases. No death was observed.

CONCLUSION

Pelvi-abdominal hematoma is a severe and infrequent postpartum complication. A better knowledge of clinical and radiological presentations together with obstetrical associated factors will allow an early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary management.