Intra-abdominal Packing Research Articles

Rare Complication of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-Liver Injury.

Background and Objectives: Liver injury is a rare complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Correct and early diagnosis and treatment are essential. The clinical signs of injury may be masked by the cardiac arrest. We present a single-centre retrospective observational study of traumatic liver injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the patients treated for liver injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation was conducted. Demographic data, the cause of resuscitation, the duration of restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the surgical approach were analysed. Results: We have treated nine patients with severe liver injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The diagnosis was made on the basis of cardiopulmonary instability, a fall in the erythrocyte count in eight cases, and was confirmed by CT or ultrasound examination. The last one was diagnosed accidentally on MR. Surgery, in cases of unstable patients, was followed immediately after a diagnosis. We combined liver sutures and intra-abdominal packing with a planned second-look surgery. Five of the nine patients survived. Conclusions: Liver injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is rare and is associated with high mortality. The recurrence of cardiopulmonary instability and/or a low or falling red blood cell count are the main signs of this injury. Bedside ultrasound and CT scans are the most important methods to confirm the diagnosis. The rule of surgical repair is the same as in all liver injuries, regardless of aetiology. The key factors for survival include early diagnosis, together with the length of restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate as a Key Adjunct in Massive Hemorrhage Management in Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder: A Case Report

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PASD) is a severe obstetric complication associated with significant hemorrhage risk. This report highlights the successful use of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) as part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing a case of massive hemorrhage in PASD. A 36-year-old woman, G3P2002, at 33 weeks gestation, diagnosed with placenta previa totalis and suspected PASD, underwent a planned cesarean hysterectomy. The surgery was complicated by 5200 mL hemorrhage due to placental invasion and bladder injury. Hemodynamic instability was managed with massive transfusion protocol activation, including PCC, tranexamic acid, and packed red blood cells. Intra-abdominal packing was performed for hemostasis, and the bladder injury was repaired. Continued PCC administration in the ICU, along with other supportive measures, resulted in hemorrhage control and stabilization. The patient was successfully extubated and discharged after a second surgery to remove packing. This case emphasizes the vital role of PCC in the multidisciplinary management of massive hemorrhage in PASD. Early recognition of PASD risk factors and prompt intervention, including PCC administration, are crucial for optimal maternal outcomes.

The outcomes and biliary complications of a staged biliary reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation: a propensity score matched analysis

BackgroundUncontrolled massive bleeding and bowel edema are critical issues during liver transplantation. Temporal intra-abdominal packing with staged biliary reconstruction (SBR) yields acceptable outcomes in deceased donor liver transplantation; however, data on living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are scarce. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 1269 patients who underwent LDLT was performed. After one-to-two propensity score matching, patients who underwent LDLT with SBR were compared with those who underwent LDLT with one-stage biliary reconstruction (OSBR). The primary outcomes were graft survival (GS) and overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcomes were postoperative biliary complications. ResultsThere were 55 and 110 patients in the SBR and OSBR groups, respectively. The median blood loss was 6500 mL in the SBR and 4875 mL in the OSBR group. Patients receiving SBR-LDLT had higher incidence of sepsis (69.0% vs. 43.6%; P < 0.01) and intra-abdominal infections (60.0% vs. 30.9%; P < 0.01). Biliary complication rates (14.5% vs. 19.1%; P = 0.47) and 1-and 5-year GS (87.27%, 74.60% vs. 83.64%, 72.71%; P = 0.98) and OS (89.09%, 78.44% vs. 84.55%, 73.70%; P = 0.752) rates were comparable between the two groups. ConclusionsSBR could serve as a life-saving procedure for patients undergoing complex critical LDLT, with GS, OS, and biliary outcomes comparable to those of OSBR.

Intra-abdominal packing does not increase infection risk or mandate longer presumptive antibiotic therapy.

Damage control laparotomy allows for resuscitation and reversal of coagulopathy with improved mortality. In-tra-abdominal packing is often used to limit hemorrhage. Temporary abdominal closure is associated with increased rates of subse-quent intra-abdominal infection. The effect of increased duration of antibiotics is unknown on these infection rates. We sought to determine the role of antibiotics in damage control surgery. A retrospective analysis of all trauma patients requiring damage control laparotomy on admission to an ACS verified level one trauma center from 2011 to 2016 was performed. Demographic and clinical data including ability and time to attain primary fascial closure, as well as complication rates, were recorded. The primary outcome measure was intra-abdominal abscess formation following damage control laparotomy. Two-hundred and thirty-nine patients underwent DCS during the study period. A majority were packed (141/239, 59.0%). No differences existed in demographics or injury severity between groups, and infection rates were similar (30.5% vs. 38.8%, P=0.18). Patients with infection were more likely to have suffered gastric injury (23.3% vs. 6.1%, P=0.003) than those without complication. There was no significant association between gram negative and anaerobic (Odds Radio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87-1.05) or antifungal therapy (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.74-1.31) and infection rate, regardless of duration on multivariate regression CONCLUSION: Our study offers the first review of the effect of antibiotic duration on intra-abdominal complications following DCS. Gastric injury was more commonly identified in patients who developed intra-abdominal infection. Duration of antimicrobial therapy does not affect infection rate in patients who are packed following DCS.

A successful damage control surgery in a 20-years-old male with penetrating abdominal trauma; A case report

Background: Damage Control Laparotomy (DCL) is an appropriate technique in approaching the patients with critical injuries. Case report: We report a case of road traffic injury in a 20-years-old male, presenting with penetrating abdominal trauma caused by a metal tube. DCL was performed and patient was stabilized. Re-exploration was done and patient was discharged 33th day with peroneal nerve palsy and no other associated complications. Discussion: Three main causes of mortality in severely injured patients are; coagulopathy, hypothermia and metabolic acidosis; These factors make a vicious cycle which leads to metabolic status disruptions and a high rate of mortality. DCL consists of an initial laparotomy that is limited to the control of hemorrhage and contamination and intra-abdominal packing. Minimizing the first operation to vital tasks, can save lives which may be lost otherwise.

707 Principles of Damage Control Surgery in Trauma and Beyond: Experience at A Tertiary Centre

Abstract Damage control surgery (DCS) is an abbreviated laparotomy used as a temporising measure in critically unwell patients who have limited physiological reserves to tolerate complex definitive surgeries. The aim of DCS is to address life-threatening haemorrhage and manage abdominal contamination. Following an abbreviated laparotomy, patients are continuously resuscitated in intensive care unit until physiological stability can be maintained for definitive surgeries. The role of DCS in the trauma setting is well-described; however, its principles can also be applied in General Surgery for a variety of indications such as mesenteric ischaemia, uncontrolled haemorrhage, and secondary peritonitis. Judicious selection of the non-trauma patient who will benefit from this strategy is paramount. We present two cases of a polytrauma patient (Patient A), and non-trauma patient with abdominal septic shock (Patient B) who underwent DCS at our tertiary centre. Patient A is a 49-year-old male involved in a road traffic accident who sustained multiple injuries including liver laceration, splenic laceration, and colonic injury. Intra-abdominal packing and repair of serosal tears were performed, with a re-look laparotomy 48 hours later -- no further bleeding or visceral injuries were identified. Patient B is a 51-year-old gentleman who re-presented in septic shock due to infected retroperitoneal collection following a bleeding duodenal ulcer, initially managed radiologically. A T tube was inserted into the duodenum with two abdominal drains at initial DCS. After thorough washout, a feeding jejunostomy was sited at the re-look laparotomy. 30-days mortality is 0% and both patients are under follow-up.

Intra-Abdominal Gauze Packing for Uncontrolled Hemorrhage in Non-Trauma Patients

Purpose: The outcomes of non-trauma patients requiring intra-abdominal gauze packing for the management of uncontrollable hemorrhage following surgery, and the evaluation of survival risk factors were examined. Methods: Data from patients who underwent intra-abdominal gauze packing to control bleeding during abdominal surgery between September 2012 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 28 patients were included in the study population analysis. There were 9 patients who died during hospitalization. One patient died as a result of uncontrolled bleeding. In spite of gauze packing, 2 patients who had increasing blood transfusion requirements (&gt; 4 packs/4 hours) were found to have arterial bleeding. Univariate analysis for hospital death showed that immunocompromised status, emergency surgery, a thrombocytopenic state prior to initial surgery, and a longer duration until gauze removal had a negative association with survival outcomes. Among these factors, only time to gauze removal &gt; 36 hours was identified as an independent risk factor for survival outcome in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Gauze packing could be considered as an effective method for the management of uncontrolled hemorrhage, in non-trauma patients. In cases of persistent bleeding after gauze packing, arterial bleeding should be suspected. Gauze removal after &gt; 36 hours may indicate a poor survival outcome.

Exploring the Feasibility of Wearable Technologies to Provide Interactive Telepresence Sub-Specialist Support to Remote Clinicians Treating Patients with Traumatic Injuries

Introduction:Some patients presenting to rural or regional hospitals may be deteriorating so rapidly that emergency procedures might be necessary before transfer to specialist facilities. Such interventions might include placement of an ICC, establishing a surgical airway, evacuation of an EDH, laparotomy, or intra-abdominal packing. The treating clinician may have had little or no experience in the procedure. Interactive telepresence technology offers further point of care support to the treating clinicians through the virtual presence of a specialist from a major trauma center.Aim:To explore the feasibility of wearable interactive telepresence technology that can provide sub-specialist support to remote clinicians treating patients with traumatic injuries.Methods:Thirty-seven wearable near-field display devices and annotation software applications were tested against a set of pre-specified technical and user experience requirements. A shortlist of three devices and two software applications underwent usability evaluations with a convenience sample of 24 junior clinicians and sub-specialists. The junior clinicians trialed the wearable devices and the sub-specialists trialed the annotation applications in three simulated trauma scenarios. Measures included participants’ ratings of acceptance and workload, technical issues encountered (e.g. frequency of call drop-outs), and anecdotal comments.Results:Participants’ subjective ratings of the solutions and anecdotal feedback were positive. However, there was no clear solution that satisfied the functionality and ease-of-use requirements for all participants. For example, the solutions that were rated more favorably by the junior clinicians were rated less favorably by the sub-specialists, and vice versa.Discussion:This work provided preliminary evidence of the feasibility and usefulness of interactive telepresence technology in healthcare. A second phase of usability testing is currently underway to explore additional device and software combinations, including those with augmented reality functionality. Future phases of the project will evaluate the solutions under higher-fidelity conditions followed by in-situ trials across selected regional centers.

Intra-abdominal packing: A radiologic challenge for forensic pathologists

Intra-abdominal packing: A radiologic challenge for forensic pathologists

Anesthesia management in mendelson's syndrome

In anesthetized patient, aspiration occurs because of insufficient airway protective reflex and subsequent aspiration of gastric contents. It is rare but potentially fatal, depending on its severity. Symptoms may vary from hypoxia to respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome, even collapsed lung and death. A 30-year-old woman who had a hysterectomy with intra-abdominal packing was scheduled for pack removal. She vomited during induction and ended up with aspiration pneumonitis (Mendelson's syndrome). She was admitted to the intensive care unit after surgery and was extubated on the 4th day. She was then moved to the ward 6 days after the surgery. Awareness and skills to minimize the risk of aspiration anesthetic practice are developing well, but it still causes more than 50% of deaths related to the airway during anesthesia. Recognizing risks and its management is essential to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Abdomino-pelvic packing revisited: An often forgotten technique for managing intractable venous obstetric haemorrhage.

Surgical packing should not be seen as a 'bail out' for the less skilled obstetrician who is unable to control obstetric haemorrhage using conventional techniques. Rather, this should be considered in cases of coagulopathy or where haemorrhage persists from raw surfaces, venous plexuses and inaccessible areas. Data from seven women who underwent abdomino-pelvic packing for intractable postpartum bleeding were collected. The primary outcome was success of intra-abdominal packing and secondary outcomes included estimated blood loss, units transfused, length of stay and postoperative complications. All seven women (median age 39years, interquartile range (IQR) 3.25) had caesarean section deliveries with median estimated blood loss of 5521.4mL (IQR 4475) and median of 6.9 (IQR 4.75) units transfused. Abdomino-pelvic packing was successful in all cases including in three women who had continued bleeding after peripartum hysterectomy. In the remaining four, bleeding stopped with packing, enabling the uterus to be conserved. The median number of packs inserted was 6.1 (IQR 4.2) and median shock index at time of decision to pack was 0.98 (IQR 0.13). The median pack dwell time was 30.8h (IQR 24), while median length of stay following removal was 48h (IQR 2.14). Intractable bleeding in these seven cases was successfully controlled by abdomino-pelvic packing, allowing supportive correction of hypothermia, tissue acidosis, coagulopathy and hypovolemia. The technique of packing is an essential skill in managing massive obstetric haemorrhage, in addition to uterine balloon tamponade, compression sutures and peripartum hysterectomy.

Intra-Abdominal Packing Does Not Increase Infection Risk or Mandate Longer Presumptive Antibiotic Therapy

Uhlich, Rindi MD; Hu, Parker J. MD; Kerby, Jeffrey D. MD, PhD, FACS; Bosarge, Patrick L. MD, FACS Author Information

Maternal outcome after abdominal packing for uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage despite peripartum hysterectomy.

BackgroundIntra-abdominal packing is a possible option for persistent bleeding following hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage. However, to date, only very limited data about maternal outcome after intra-abdominal packing for surgically uncontrolled hemorrhage following hysterectomy are available. The objective of the current study was to estimate maternal outcome after intra-abdominal packing following unsuccessful peripartum hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage.MethodsA questionnaire was mailed to all maternity units performing more than 850 deliveries per year. Inclusion criteria were: all cases of abdominal packing performed following unsuccessful peripartum hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage between 2003 and 2013. The primary outcome was success of intra-abdominal packing, defined as the arrest of hemorrhage with no need of additional procedure.ResultsThe total number of deliveries during the study period that occurred in the 51 participating centers was 1,430,142. The centers reported a total of 718 (1 per 2000 deliveries) peripartum hysterectomies for PPH and 53 abdominal packings performed after unsuccessful peripartum hysterectomy (about 1 per 14 hysterectomies). A median of 5 [IQR 3–7] pads were used for packing. Abdominal packing was removed after a median of 39.5 hours [IQR 24–48]. The success rate of abdominal packing was 62% (33/53). Among the 20 (38%) women in whom bleeding did not stop following the use of abdominal packing, 6 required a second surgical intervention, 6 a pelvic artery embolization and the 8 other women had “only” further intensive resuscitation and pharmacological treatments. Finally, mortality rate was 24% (13/53).ConclusionOur results suggest that abdominal packing, used for duration of 24 to 48 hours, seems to be an option as an ultimate procedure to control persistent life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage following peripartum hysterectomy.

Intra-abdominal packing with laparotomy pads and QuikClot™ during damage control laparotomy: A safety analysis

BackgroundIntra-abdominal packing with laparotomy pads (LP) is a common and rapid method for hemorrhage control in critically injured patients. Combat Gauze™ and Trauma Pads™ ([QC] Z-Medica QuikClot®) are kaolin impregnated hemostatic agents, that in addition to LP, may improve hemorrhage control. While QC packing has been effective in a swine liver injury model, QC remains unstudied for human intra-abdominal use. We hypothesized QC packing during damage control laparotomy (DCL) better controls hemorrhage than standard packing and is safe for intracorporeal use. MethodsA retrospective review (2011–2014) at a Level-I Trauma Center reviewed all patients who underwent DCL with intentionally retained packing. Clinical characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative parameters, and outcomes were compared with respect to packing (LP vs. LP+QC). All complications occurring within the patients’ hospital stays were reviewed. A p≤0.05 was considered significant. Results68 patients underwent DCL with packing; (LP n=40; LP+QC n=28). No difference in age, BMI, injury mechanism, ISS, or GCS was detected (Table 1, all p>0.05). LP+QC patients had a lower systolic blood pressure upon ED presentation and greater blood loss during index laparotomy than LP patients. LP+QC patients received more packed red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma resuscitation during index laparotomy (both p<0.05). Despite greater physiologic derangement in the LP+QC group, there was no difference in total blood products required after index laparotomy until abdominal closure (LP vs LP+QC; p>0.05). After a median of 2days until abdominal closure in both groups, no difference in complications rates attributable to intra-abdominal packing (LP vs LP+QC) was detected. ConclusionWhile the addition of QC to LP packing did not confer additional benefit to standard packing, there was no additional morbidity identified with its use. The surgeons at our institution now select augmented packing with QC for sicker patients, as we believe this may have additional advantage over standard LP packing. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to further evaluate the intra-abdominal use of advanced hemostatic agents, like QC, for both hemostasis and associated morbidity.

Damage Control for Managing Life-Threatening Postpartum Hemorrhage

Abstract Background: Massive obstetrical hemorrhage can be catastrophic, with considerable morbidity and mortality, and it is the single most important cause of maternal death worldwide. Case: A 36-year-old woman developed uterine atonia, for which subtotal hysterectomy and bilateral internal iliac artery ligation were performed. After the surgery, she was taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for major hemorrhage shock, acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy. A new laparotomy showed 3 L of hemoperitoneum and active bleeding from the hysterectomy site; this bleeding was controlled by intraabdominal packing and temporary abdominal closure. Once the patient showed signs of improvement, a scheduled reoperative procedure was performed to remove the packs, and provide definitive abdominal closure. The patient stayed in the ICU for 3 days. Results: This patient's vital signs and results of laboratory studies improved, and she had no evidence of further intraabdominal bleeding. She was discharged to go home on...

Combined intra-abdominal pelvic packing during cytoreductive surgery in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a case series

Uncontrollable hemorrhage during cytoreductive surgery for advanced carcinoma ovary is a major cause of peri-operative mortality. This case series presents a novel technique of "combined intra pelvic and intra-abdominal packing," a life saving approach for such situations. This case series describes the retrospectively analyzed outcome of 16 non-consecutive patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent this 'packing' procedure in view of diffuse oozing and deteriorating patient condition. Three to six povidone-iodine soaked roller gauges were used and removal was done through exit sites on abdomen, 48 h after packing at bedside in 14 cases. 43 patients of carcinoma ovary who underwent debulking surgery during the same period but did not need packing were analyzed to compare underlying patient- and disease-related factors and complication rates. Operative mortality due to excessive primary hemorrhage was avoided in 14 out of 16 packed patients (87.5%). There was no notable increase in morbidity in cases compared with controls. Post-operative complication rates were more or less acceptable. This method can achieve acceptable survival rates in patients with advanced ovarian malignancy having severe primary hemorrhage.

Effects of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension on the Endocrine Functions of the Pancreas in Rats

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) has negative effects on the functions of intra- and extra-abdominal organs and systems. Intra- and extraperitoneal hemorrhage, diffuse intestinal and retroperitoneal edema, intestinal ileus or obstruction, necrotizing pancreatitis, intra-abdominal packing, intra-abdominal sepsis, and pneumoperitoneum can all cause IAH. No studies were found in the literature relating to the effects of IAH on the endocrine functions of the pancreas. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of IAH on the endocrine functions of the pancreas. Forty male rats were divided into four groups: control, sham control, and two study groups, each containing 10 rats. In one of the study groups, animals were subjected to IAH of up to 20 mm Hg and in the other study group to 25 mm Hg, for 3 hours. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and pancreatic tissue samples for histopathologic examination. The results showed that glucagon levels were increased in the study groups (p<0.001) and insulin levels were decreased (p<0.001). There were no differences between the control and sham control groups. Histopathologic examination showed inflammatory cell infiltration in exocrine pancreatic tissue and vascular congestion in the islets of Langerhans. IAH causes an increase in glucagon levels and a decrease in insulin levels. These changes may be due to both the direct effects of IAH and the indirect effects of other organs that are affected by IAH.

Predictive factors of advanced interventional procedures in a multicentre severe postpartum haemorrhage study

Severe postpartum haemorrhage (SPPH) is the leading cause of peripartum hysterectomy and maternal death. There are no easily measurable parameters that indicate the failure of medical therapy and the need for an advanced interventional procedure (AIP) to stop genital tract bleeding. The aim of the study was to define factors predictive of the need for an AIP in the management of emergent PPH. The study included two phases: (1) an initial retrospective study of 257 consecutive patients with SPPH, allowing the determination of independent predictors of AIP, which were subsequently grouped in a predictive score, followed by (2) a multicentre study of 239 patients admitted during 2007, designed to validate the score. The main outcome measure was the need for an AIP, defined as uterine artery embolization, intraabdominal packing, arterial ligation or hysterectomy. Abnormalities of placental implantation, prothrombin time <50% (or an International Normalized Ratio >1.64), fibrinogen <2 g/l, troponin detectable, and heart rate >115 bpm were independently predictive of the need for an AIP. The SPPH score included each of the five predictive factors with a value of 0 or 1. The greater the SPPH score, the greater the percentage of patients needing an AIP (11% for SPPH 0, to 75% for SPPH ≥2). The AUC of the ROC curve of the SPPH score was 0.80. We identified five independent predictors of the need for an AIP in patients with SPPH and persistent bleeding. Using these predictors in a single score could be a reliable screening tool in patients at risk of persistent genital tract bleeding and needing an AIP.

Packing for Damage Control of Nontraumatic Intra‐Abdominal Massive Hemorrhages

The Damage Control Surgery (DCS) approach to massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage has been shown to significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality in severely injured trauma patients. We applied the same principles to patients who developed a massive hemorrhage and the "lethal triad" (acidosis, hypothermia, coagulopathy) during a surgical procedure in order to assess feasibility and efficacy of DCS on nontraumatic grounds. A retrospective analysis of eight consecutive cases was performed aimed at collecting information on laboratory parameters, fluids requirements, operative times, APACHE II score, damage control surgery procedure, angioembolization, morbidity, mortality, and need for repacking. Average APACHE II score was 25.5 (predicted mortality rate = 54%); overall and early mortality in the nontraumatic group was nil, while the intra-abdominal septic (packing-related) complication rate was 12.5%. Intra-abdominal packing was shown to be feasible, safe, and effective for patients with intra-abdominal nontraumatic massive hemorrhage, and the application of the principles of DCS may improve survival in cases of surgical hemorrhage with development of the lethal triad.

What to do if no blood is available but the patient is bleeding?

Background The dilemma of what to do if blood is unavailable (or in very short supply) when a patient is bleeding heavily has confronted all clinicians who work in the pre-hospital setting, operating room, intensive care unit or emergency department. This article reviews methods that are currently available and under investigation for bleeding control and resuscitation, including artificial oxygen carriers (AOCs), tourniquets, elevation/gravity, pro-coagulant technologies, haemostatic agents and minimisation of further blood loss by non-operative and minimally invasive surgical interventions. Methods The MEDLINE literature database, textbooks and the authors’ 56 combined years of experience in anaesthesia, critical care and bloodless medicine associated with the Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, Maryland, the Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and other hospitals with major blood use were resorted to in evaluating the management strategies described. Results A multitude of strategies and options are available. Infusions of AOCs will enhance oxygen carriage and can also be used for volume expansion. Haemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are a major group of AOCs. HBOC therapy should include monitoring daily plasma haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit levels. HBOCs have limited half-life and decreasing plasma Hb, in the context of decreasing total Hb, indicates the need for re-dosing with HBOC. Total Hb, not haematocrit, is used for the assessment of anaemia, because haemodilution by the cell-free Hb solutions can cause haematocrit to be proportionally unrelated to total Hb. HBOCs can make patients appear jaundiced due to metabolism of free Hb. Interferences with laboratory and oximetry monitoring technology should also be considered. HBOCs, like erythropoietin, can act as haematinics and provide added benefits by stimulating erythropoiesis. There are still challenges that need to be resolved regarding the safety and efficacy of these products. The application of external pressure (e.g. using tourniquets to occlude bleeding from arterial and venous sites and inflatable splints or compression bandages as a temporising means of haemorrhage control for major pelvic fractures) can minimise bleeding. Intra-abdominal packing is an excellent means of salvage when haemorrhage is profuse (e.g. from a major liver laceration) and blood is unavailable. Intra-operatively, minimally invasive techniques and reduction of blood pressure can reduce surgical blood loss. Cell salvage technology and acute normovolaemic haemodilution will enable some vital surgeries to be completed with fewer transfusions or completely without blood. The use of pro-coagulant technologies, such as fibrin bandages, ChitoFlex dressing, and zeolitebased products (e.g. QuikClot