Delayed, massive bleeding as an unusual complication of laser conization. A case report
Kurata, H.; Aoki, Y.; Tanaka, K.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 48(8): 659-660
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 12971152 Document Number: 565874
BACKGROUND: Although delayed bleeding following cervical conization is a common complication of this surgical procedure, the amount of blood loss is usually not life threatening. CASE: A 27-year-old woman underwent conization with a KTP laser for the treatment of microinvasive cervical adenocarcinoma. Eight days later the patient experienced sudden, massive genital bleeding at her workplace. The source of the bleeding was identified as a descending branch of the left uterine artery exposed to the wound surface. Hemostasis was achieved completely with direct surgical ligature of the exposed blood vessel. The patient's blood loss during the course of the events was estimated to be 3.2 L, for which she received 1.4 L of packed red blood cells. She had an uneventful postoperative recovery. There was no bleeding or recurrence of the disease during 4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of massive bleeding as a delayed surgical complication of cervical conization.