Prophylactic Uterine Artery Embolization Assisted Cesarean Section for the Prevention of Intrapartum Hemorrhage in High-Risk Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE)-assisted cesarean section for the prevention of intrapartum hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve consecutive pregnant women (mean age 31 years; range 25–38) with uterine scarring and placenta previa and/or placenta accreta underwent UAE in conjunction with cesarean section to prevent intrapartum hemorrhage. For UAE, the left uterine artery was catheterized prophylactically under fluoroscopic guidance before the cesarean section incision was made. After the infant had been delivered, bilateral UAE was performed with the placenta still in situ. After successful bilateral UAE, the placenta was detached from the uterine wall. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all 12 cases. Ten patients retained their uterus, and the other 2 underwent hysterectomy. The mean operative blood loss was 1,391 mL (range 600–3,600 mL). The total mean fluoroscopy time and mean absorbed dose (air kerma) were 9 min 40 s (range 4 min 35 s–15 min 24 s) and 91.79 mGy (range 30.2–171), respectively. The average fetal fluoroscopy time was 1 min 42 s (range 41 s to 3 min 16 s) with an average X-ray dose of 17.66 mGy (range 6.04–23.90). CONCLUSION: UAE-assisted cesarean section is safe and effective in the prevention of intrapartum hemorrhage in patients with uterine scarring and/or placental abnormalities.