[Intractable postpartum haemorrhage treated with selective arterial embolization].
BACKGROUND
Postpartum haemorrhage is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality.


METHODS
In this case report we present a patient with intractable postpartum haemorrhage, successfully treated with selective arterial embolisation of the uterine arteries.


CONCLUSIONS
In most cases, primary postpartum haemorrhage can be managed with conservative treatment involving uterine massage, uterotonic drugs and uterine/vaginal packing. With persistent bleeding, vascular ligation or hysterectomy may be needed. Surgical treatment may be technically difficult and may fail to control haemorrhage. For these reasons, selective arterial embolisation of the uterine arteries represents an interesting alternative that allows preservation of future fertility.
Kvinnesenteret, Ullevål universitetssykehus, Oslo. elin.odegaard@uus.no
Elin
E
Ødegaard
Erik
E
Qvigstad
Nils Einar
NE
Kløw
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply