The efficacy of uterine artery embolization with gelatin sponge for retained products of conception with bleeding and future pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND: Retained products of conception (RPOC) with hemorrhage need intervention when RPOC persist and remain symptomatic. The safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for RPOC using gelatin sponge (GS) alone, and fertility after UAE for RPOC remain unknown. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively investigate the efficacy of UAE for RPOC with bleeding and future pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2016, 14 patients (mean age, 33 years old) diagnosed as RPOC with bleeding received UAE using GS at our institution. Pregnancy outcomes were vaginal delivery (n = 7), miscarriage (n = 4), and termination (n = 3). Four patients received dilation and curettage/evacuation (D&C/E) for treatment of RPOC before bleeding occurred. The mean time interval from the end of pregnancy to bleeding was 28 days. Technical success, clinical success, complications, angiographic features and fertility after UAE were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 13 patients (93%) and clinical success was achieved in all 14 patients. No major complications occurred. The angiographic features of RPOC were tortuous feeders with flow into a focal blush of contrast (n = 14). Additional findings were pseudoaneurysm (n = 6), early venous return (n = 4), and extravasation (n = 2). Pseudoaneurysm was observed significantly more often in patients who received D&C/E before UAE compared to those who received conservative treatment alone (P = 0.015). The mean follow-up period was 29 months. Six patients achieved six pregnancies an average of 29 months after UAE. CONCLUSION: UAE using GS may be an effective and safe treatment for RPOC with hemorrhage that can preserve fertility.