Combination of transarterial embolization of uterine arteries and conservative surgical treatment for pregnancy in a cesarean section scar. A report of 3 cases.
BACKGROUND
Pregnancy developing within a previous cesarean section scar is one of the rarest kinds of ectopic pregnancy. It can result in term pregnancy and therefore must be distinguished from cervical pregnancy. Irregular vaginal bleeding is common, but massive bleeding may lead to life-threatening situations. The treatment for postabortal or postpartal hemorrhage is total or subtotal hysterectomy.


METHODS
Three cases of pregnancy within scars from previous cesarean sections are reported. Two patients were transferred to our hospital due to postabortal hemorrhage for unwanted pregnancy. The third patient went to the emergency department for low abdominal pain with vaginal spotting and was mis-diagnosed as having a tubal pregnancy from the initial ultrasound examination. Exploratory laparotomy was done for evacuation of the abnormally implanted conception tissue. Transarterial embolization of bilateral uterine arteries (UAs) was performed to stop postoperative bleeding in one case and to prevent intraoperative hemorrhage in the other two. Subsequently, the postoperative bleeding case underwent cesarean delivery of a full-term infant following an uneventful pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Conservative surgical treatment following transarterial embolization of bilateral uterine arteries is an alternative method of managing the patients with early pregnancy in the scar from a cesarean section. This technique preserves the uterus and greatly reduces morbidity.
Yang
Ming-Jie
MJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei-Veterans General Hospital, 201, Shih-Pai Rd, Section 2, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. mjyang@vghtpe.gov.tw
Jeng
Min-Huei
MH
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*