Angiographic embolization for intractable obstetrical bleeding

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to review the clinical profile and outcome in patients requiring the angiographic embolization in obstetrics. METHODS: The retrospective data of patients requiring uterine artery embolization for control of obstetrical hemorrhage was studied during the period from August, 2005 to August, 2010. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with obstetrical hemorrhage (seven post lower segment caesarean section, 13 post vaginal delivery, 13 postabortal, one with cervical pregnancy and one patient post laparotomy for abdominal pregnancy) underwent angiographic embolization for control of bleeding. In all patients, hemorrhage was successfully controlled; none required post procedure hysterectomy and one patient subsequently became pregnant with in a year. CONCLUSION: Our clinical experience suggests that embolization is superior first-line alternatives to surgery for control of obstetric hemorrhage including postpartum, post-cesarean and postabortal bleeding and prevents hysterectomy.