Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing: How and When

Abstract

Pelvic fractures can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage, particularly as they tend to occur in the setting of polytrauma. Several approaches to hemorrhage control have been employed in pelvic fracture patients over the years. This review describes the indications, operative technique, and outcomes for preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP). Pelvic packing should be considered for every hemodynamically unstable patient with a significant pelvic fracture. We describe how this can be accomplished in coordination with other resuscitative efforts and operative needs.