Abstract
Life-threatening obstetric or gynecologic hemorrhage can often be controlled by ligation of the uterine arteries or the internal iliac arteries. Following a description of the pelvic blood supply, the distribution and capacity of the collateral system and the hemodynamic changes after ligation, attention is called to these procedures of treatment and the consequent results, as described in the litterature. There IS no reason to fear tissue necrosis after ligation and knowledge of the abovementioned possibilities of ligation may contribute to the avoidance of unnecessary emergency hysterectomy.