Inferior Epigastric Artery Injury during Vaginal Delivery

Inferior Epigastric Artery (IEA) is at risk of injury in laparoscopic surgery, but is very uncommon following vaginal delivery. A 30 year woman, 3rd gravida had an uneventful vaginal delivery on 15.09.14 at 929 am. But developed hypotension and tachycardia along with hematoma in left lateral vaginal wall near the fornix. Rectus sheath hematoma was detected on laparotomy. Severed IEA was detected on the left side with normal right side IEA. Hematoma was drained and artery was ligated. IEA injury is rare but potentially fatal. IEA injury requires prompt diagnosis and urgent intervention if a poor outcome is to be prevented.