Uterine haemostatic packing tape: a novel indigenous method for rapid point-of-care preparation

Abstract

Controlling obstetric haemorrhage has remained a major clinical challenge and continues to drive innovations and the sharing of effective techniques. Packing of the uterine cavity and other bleeding cavities is sometimes the only feasible temporary or definitive intervention when uterine-conserving procedures, specialised equipment, or surgical expertise are unavailable. This technique has been practiced for decades. Conventionally, the packing material consists of a tape prepared by rolling surgical gauze into a narrow strip. Although chitosan-based haemostatic packs are available, they are expensive, not readily accessible, and often associated with inventory constraints. Furthermore, the width of the packing tape must be tailored to the size of the bleeding cavity and should be wider when packing an atonic uterus with a widely dilated cervix. We developed an indigenous packing tape using a surgical cotton sheet that can be prepared instantly at the point of care. In our obstetric practice, this packing material effectively addressed these limitations and proved to be an efficient option for uterine packing in postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and for packing other bleeding cavities, which we have described in this communication.