Massive postpartum hemorrhage treated with transcatheter arterial embolization: technical aspects and long-term effects on fertility and menstrual cycle.
BACKGROUND
Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is considered a safe, life-saving procedure in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), but its long-term effect on menstruation and fertility is unclear.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate technical aspects and the evaluation of complications, focused on menstrual cycle and fertility, using TAE in patients with PPH.


METHODS
A retrospective study including 20 patients (seven with vaginal and 13 with cesarean delivery) with severe PPH treated with bilateral TAE of the uterine artery was carried out. All patients were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their post-embolization history. In six patients, the radiation dose was measured.


RESULTS
All 20 cases underwent bilateral TAE of the uterine artery. Gelfoam was used as the embolic agent. However, after cesarean delivery in six patients who had clear contrast medium extravasation and/or pseudoaneurysm-like lesion, metallic coils had to be used in order to achieve hemostasis. No major short- or long-term complications were registered. Normal menses resumed in all patients. Four patients had a total of five full-term and two preterm pregnancies, and all delivered healthy infants by cesarean section with no recurrence of PPH. The mean radiation dose to the ovaries was 586 mGy (range 204-729 mGy).


CONCLUSIONS
TAE in patients with PPH is safe and has no major short- or long-term side effects. A patient managed with TAE can expect return of normal menses and preservation of future fertility and successful pregnancies. PPH after cesarean section might need to be embolized with metallic coils in addition to Gelfoam in order to achieve secure hemostasis.
Eriksson
L-G
LG
Department of Radiology, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden. lars-gunnar.eriksson@akademiska.se
Mulic-Lutvica
A
A
Jangland
L
L
Nyman
R
R
D000328:Adult; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000379:methods; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013995:Time; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*
D006490:Hemostatics; D008670:Metals