BACKGROUNDMassive presacral venous plexus hemorrhage during radical resection of rectal carcinoma is rare, but when it occurs, bleeding can be uncontrollable, leading to death in some cases. Medical adhesive gauze sticking and packing and thumbtack compressive fixation are often used for hemostasis, but these methods are not effective in cases of uncontrollable massive hemorrhage. Therefore, identifying a practical, accurate, and reliable method of hemostasis in these cases is essential.

METHODSBetween January 2004 and December 2009, we treated 3 patients with massive presacral venous plexus hemorrhage during resection of rectal carcinoma by placing small, trimmed thin steel plates at the bleeding sites. The plates were fixed with a saddle-type application of thumbtacks.

RESULTSBleeding was successfully controlled in all 3 patients, and intestinal anastomosis was carried out after hemostasis. No complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONSApplication of a small, thin steel plate to the bleeding site with thumbtack fixation is a simple and effective method of hemostasis in patients with massive presacral venous plexus hemorrhage during resection of rectal carcinoma.