Ultrasonic evaluation of the postpartum uterus in the management of postpartum bleeding.

Although the diagnostic use of ultrasound has been well established in the management of antepartum problems, its place in the postpartum period has not been widely recognized. Fifty-six patients with postpartum bleeding underwent ultrasonic evaluation of postpartum uterus. Retained placental tissue was found in 9, and large blood clots in 5 patients. Forty-two patients who were found to have an empty uterus were treated conservatively with intravenous oxytocin infusion. The ultrasonic diagnosis correlated well with the clinical findings and with response to treatment. The results of the study encouraged the authors to continue the investigation, which thus far favors the routine use of ultrasound in managing postpartum bleeding.