Percutaneous embolization in the management of intractable vaginal bleeding.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of arterial embolization in gynecological malignancies by Polyvinyl Alcohol particles.


METHODS
Six patients, four with cervix carcinoma, one endometrium carcinoma, and one vaginal metastasis of ovarian carcinoma underwent percutaneous embolization due to intractable vaginal bleeding. As an embolic agent PVA particles were used.


RESULTS
Cessation of the bleeding was observed immediately after the embolization. Complete embolization has been achieved in all the patients Recurrent bleeding did not occur in any of the cases. There were no complications related to the embolization procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Transarterial embolization is a lifesaving procedure in treating intractable vaginal bleeding. PVA particles are effective and it is a simple way in ceasing the hemorrhage due to pelvic malignancies.
Mihmanli
I
I
Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Radiology, Turkey. mihmanli@yahoo.com
Cantasdemir
M
M
Kantarci
F
F
Halit Yilmaz
M
M
Numan
F
F
Mihmanli
V
V
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000150:complications; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014625:Vaginal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000556:secondary
D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol