Secondary postpartum hemorrhage: treatment with selective arterial embolization

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization of the uterine arteries in the management of intractable delayed postpartum hemorrhage.

Materials and methods: Fourteen consecutive women with secondary postpartum hemorrhage were treated with selective embolization of the uterine arteries. In all cases, hemostatic embolization was performed because of intractable hemorrhage that could not be controlled with the administration of uterotonic drugs or with uterine curettage.

Results: The causes of bleeding included genital tract tears in four women and endometritis in eight women; the endometritis was associated with proved, retained portions of placenta in four women. In two women, no evident cause of bleeding was found before angiography. Angiography revealed extravasation in three women. A false aneurysm of the uterine artery was found in two women. In one patient, an arteriovenous fistula was observed. Immediate resolution of external bleeding was observed in all women. No complication related to embolization was found. Normal menstruation resumed in all women.

Conclusion: Selective arterial embolization of the uterine arteries is a safe and effective means of controlling secondary postpartum hemorrhage.