In the last years improvement of technology allowed for portable instruments [32, 36] that can lower the threshold for indication towards this method. Statements 1. After non-pelvic sources of blood loss have been ruled out, patients with pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability or signs of ongoing bleeding should be considered for pelvic AG/embolization. [GoR A, LoE III]   2. Patients with CT-scan demonstrating arterial intravenous contrast extravasation in the pelvis, may require pelvic AG and embolization regardless of hemodynamic I-BET-762 status. [GoR A, LoE III]   3. After non pelvic sources of blood loss have been ruled

out, patients with pelvic fractures who have undergone pelvic AG with or without embolization, with persisting signs of ongoing bleeding, should be considered for repeat pelvic AG/embolization [GoR B, LoE IV]   The

decisional algorithm During the Conference, after debating the statements, a draft for an algorithm was proposed to the SC, the JP and the audience (Figure 2). A formal consensus was reached on the use of PPP, as a first maneuver only, in mechanically stable fractures of the pelvis. In mechanically unstable fractures EF should be applied as a substitution of the PB as soon as possible even in the ED or in the OR according to local protocols. PPP without any kind of mechanical stabilization is not adequate, because it needs a stable frame for packing to be effective. Figure 2 Treatment algorithm. In the last few months the algorithm was selleck compound written in detail and DMXAA purchase conducted to a double pathway according to the local expertise/availability next of trauma surgeons/orthopedics. In the unstable patient EF can be done in the ED or the OR. The unanimous consent in the Conference regards the fact that AG is no more considered the first maneuver in the unstable patient, but is considered only for patients who remains unstable after EF and PPP. Conclusions Hemodynamically unstable pelvic trauma is a challenging task in most Trauma Centers. No unanimous consent is present in the literature regarding the best treatment for these patients. The First

Italian Consensus Conference on this topic extensively reviewed the current available knowledge and proposed a readily available algorithm for different level and experience hospitals. Acknowledgements Special thanks to Franca Boschini (Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy) and Chiara Bassi (Regione Emilia-Romagna, Bologna/Modena, Italy) for their great bibliographical work and to Dr Walter Biffl who took part to the Conference presenting Denver experience and revised the manuscript. References 1. Burgess AR, Eastridge BJ, Young JW, Ellison TS, Ellison PS Jr, Poka A, Bathon GH, Brumback RJ: Pelvic ring disruptions: effective classification system and treatment protocols. J Trauma 1990, 30:848–856.PubMedCrossRef 2.