The role of embolization in the management of post-partum hermorrhage and uterine vascular malformations.
- Author:
Harold C CACHA
;
Jose B MORAN
- Publication Type:Case report
- MeSH:
X
- From:
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
2012;36(4):189-196
- CountryPhilippines
-
Abstract:
Obstetric hemorrhage is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and death. Postpartum hemorrhage that cannot be controlled by local measures has traditionally been managed by bilateral uterine artery or hypogastric artery ligation. These techniques have a high failure rate, often resulting in hysterectomy.1 Uterine vascular malformation, on the other hand, is a part of a wide spectrum of vascular abnormalities that affect the uterine vasculature. They usually cause recurrent vaginal bleeding unresponsive to treatment hence ultimately leading to hysterectomy as well. To this date,transcatheter arterial embolization has become a major treatment modality in a variety of clinical applications, including management of bleeding related to a broad spectrum of obstetric and gynecologic disorders. Embolotherapy has a well-documented role in the management of pelvic and genital tract hemorrhage in the postpartum and postoperative/postcesarean setting. It is also an integral part in the treatment armamentarium of arteriovenous malformations. Other applications include treatment for abdominal and cervical ectopic pregnancy, and gynecologic neoplasms, including more recently, uterine leiomyomata.2 This paper presents a case series which highlights the role of embolization in the modern management of postpartum hemorrhage and uterine arteriovenous malformation.
