ABSTRACT
Postpartum hemorrhage is a common complication of vaginal and caesarean deliveries and remains one of the top causes of maternal mortality in the United States and the number one cause worldwide. This chapter is included because across the world, when massive hemorrhage occurs in the labor ward, gynecological cancer surgeons are often called to manage difficult cases. There are several well tested and effective pharmacotherapy options. Blood products are often needed and are crucial in resuscitative efforts. This chapter focuses on surgical treatment alternatives, which are often the last resort, as well as blood conserving techniques and the role of interventional radiology procedures. Surgical techniques range from conservative measures, e.g. uterine tamponade methods and arterial ligation, to total or supracervical hysterectomy.
