Uterine arteriovenous malformation: fertility-sparing surgery using unilateral ligation of uterine artery and ovarian ligament

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rarely found in the uterus and are usually acquired. The method of treatment is determined by symptoms, desire for future fertility, extent, and location of the malformation. Selective ligation of the vessels supplying the malformation is an effective treatment option when conservative methods have failed and uterine preservation is of primary concern. Measurement of uterine O(2) saturation and perfusion index has been shown to be effective in the intraoperative assessment of uterine viability, pre- and postligation of pelvic vasculature. We present the case of a 32-year-old woman with a postmolar uterine AVM treated surgically with unilateral uterine artery and ovarian ligament ligation.