Internal iliac artery balloon occlusion as a hemostatic method for spontaneous rupture of vulvar hematoma during delivery: A case report

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of a vulvar hematoma during delivery is a relatively uncommon event and may cause excessive hemorrhage. Exact identification of anatomic structures and bleeding points is challenging. We herein present a case involving a pregnant woman at 39 weeks’ gestation with a large vulvar hematoma that spontaneously ruptured during the second stage of labor, likely due to rupture of varices in the vulva or vagina. It was difficult to accurately expose and suture the deep bleeding points. The estimated blood loss volume was 1591 mL, and the hemoglobin concentration dropped from 132 g/L before delivery to 84 g/L after delivery. To prevent hemorrhagic shock, bilateral internal iliac artery balloon occlusion was performed and proved to be an effective way to achieve hemostasis. Once hemostasis was established, ligation of the bleeding sites and suturing of all dead space were rapidly completed. Bilateral internal iliac artery balloon occlusion can be used as an effective treatment for excessive vaginal bleeding. The presence of varices or hemangiomas in the vulva or vagina should be carefully checked during antenatal care.