[Transcatheter arterial embolization in intractable postpartum hemorrhage].
OBJECTIVE
To asses the value of transcatheter arterial embolization treatment in intractable postpartum hemorrhage.


METHODS
Fourteen patients of postpartum hemorrhage failed to the drugs treatment were performed transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Superselective catheterization to the bilateral uterial arteries or anterior branches of internal iliac arteries was carried out after intubation to single-side femoral artery by Seldinger's technique. When the catheter tip was proved in right place by digital substraction angiography (DSA) techniques, antibiotic solution was poured into arteries and then the arterial embolization with gelfoam particles was followed.


RESULTS
All the patients were performed TAE successfully. The duration of TAE was 30-50 minutes [mean (41.8 +/- 6.4) minutes]. Bleeding was found in DSA mostly as diffuse intrauterine flow outward sign from one side or both side of uterial artery branches. After one time of TAE, the vaginal bleeding of all patients was stopped in 3-10 minutes [mean (6.1 +/- 3.6) minutes]. The follow-up showed that all patients had normal menstrual periods in 2-60 months and no serious complications were found.


CONCLUSIONS
With the characteristic of fast homeostasis and less complications, TAE was proved to be an effective method for intractable postpartum hemorrhage.
Chen
C
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guang Zhou First Municipal People's Hospital, Guang Zhou 510180, China.
Ma
B
B
Fang
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy