Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Severe Secondary Hemorrhage after Hysterectomy

Four of 1237 patients who underwent abdominal, laparoscopic, and vaginal hysterectomy between October 2013 and May 2015 had severe secondary hemorrhage after hysterectomy (2 conventional multiport total laparoscopic hysterectomies, 1 single-port access hysterectomy, and 1 total abdominal hysterectomy). The median time interval between hysterectomy and secondary hemorrhage was 28.4 days (range, 16–52 days). All 4 cases were treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), all of whom required blood transfusions to maintain vital functions before TAE. The mean operative time was 90 minutes. The median length of hospital stay after TAE was 12 days (range, 4–24 days), and the patients were discharged without complications or additional surgery. These cases show the value of minimally invasive TAE for patients experiencing severe secondary hemorrhage after hysterectomy.     

Selective arterial embolization of the uterine arteries in the management of intractable post-partum hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization in the management of intractable post-partum hemorrhage. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive women with severe post-partum hemorrhage (primary, n=25; secondary, n=10) were treated by selective embolization of the uterine arteries. The main cause of immediate post-partum hemorrhage was atonic uterus. Retained placental fragments with endometritis was the main cause of delayed hemorrhage. In all cases, hemostatic embolization was performed because of intractable hemorrhage. Hysterectomy had been performed in two cases before embolization but it had also failed to stop the bleeding. RESULTS: Angiography revealed extravasation in ten cases, spasm of the internal iliac artery in four cases, false aneurysm in two cases and arteriovenous fistula in one case. After embolization, immediate cessation or dramatic diminution of bleeding was observed in all cases. Two patients required repeated embolization the following day. No major complication related to embolization was found. In one patient with placenta accreta, delayed hysterectomy was necessary. Normal menstruation resumed in all women but two who had hysterectomy. One woman became pregnant after embolization. CONCLUSION: Selective emergency arterial embolization is an effective means of controlling severe post-partum hemorrhage. This procedure avoids high risk surgery and maintains reproductive ability.     

Selective pelvic arterial embolization in the management of obstetric hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective evaluation of pelvic arterial embolization for the treatment of severe post-partum hemorrhage. METHODS: Data were collected, from our departmental clinical records, on all patients with life-threatening post-partum hemorrhage managed with arterial embolization between January 2001 and December 2003. RESULTS: During the period analyzed, there were 29,119 deliveries in our institution. Of these, 27 patients underwent pelvic arterial embolization to control severe hemorrhaging despite conservative management. Of the 27 patients, 22 (81.5%) had a vaginal delivery and 5 had a caesarean section. The major indication for embolization was uterine atony (15 women). Disseminated intravascular coagulation developed in 20 cases (74.1%). There were eight cases (29.6%) who underwent hysterectomy, seven of them pre-embolization. The most frequent vessel embolized was the uterine artery (13 cases; 38.3%). One patient (3.7%) presented complications related to the procedure. The success rate was 96.3%. CONCLUSION: Pelvic arterial embolization is a good therapeutic choice for severe post-partum hemorrhage refractory to conservative treatment measures.     

Uterine Arteriovenous Fistula Treated With Repetitive Transcatheter Embolization: Case Report

Uterine arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare entity, but may lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. Although transcatheter embolization, surgical ligation, or hysterectomy would be considered for treatment of uterine AVF, there is poor knowledge as to how gynecologists can manage the uterine AVF with multiple large inflow arteries. Herein we report a uterine AVF successfully treated using multiple-step transcatheter embolization. The patient, a 58-year-old postmenopausal woman with a history of dilation and curettage, had intermittent massive uterine bleeding. Radiologic imaging revealed the presence of a large vasculature mass. The mass occupied the entire pelvis, and the source of hemorrhage was identified as an accompanying AVF. We thought that surgical intervention was contraindicated because of the potential risk of uncontrollable intraoperative bleeding. Multiple-step transcatheter embolization was performed, with complete resolution of the AVF. Thereafter, the patient had no further uterine bleeding. Multiple-step transcatheter embolization might be the most beneficial and efficient treatment option for a uterine AVF with multiple large inflow arteries.     

Pelvic embolization for treatment of hemorrhage related to spontaneous and induced abortion

OBJECTIVE: Presentation of outcomes of pelvic arterial embolization for hemorrhage after spontaneous or induced abortion. STUDY DESIGN: We collected case reports of embolization after spontaneous or induced abortion from oral presentations and from members of the National Abortion Federation. RESULTS: Pelvic arterial embolization was performed for 11 women who had hemorrhage after spontaneous or induced abortion, and it was initially successful for all women. One woman ultimately required a hysterectomy after unsuccessful repeated embolization. Prophylactic embolization was done for 8 women who were at risk for hemorrhage from placenta accreta; 4 of these women had subsequent hysterectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Selective pelvic arterial embolization may be a successful treatment for hemorrhage associated with spontaneous and induced abortion. Embolization can be considered before hysterectomy is undertaken for control of hemorrhage. There may be a role for prophylactic catheterization or embolization when there is a risk of severe hemorrhage.     

Uterine artery embolization in the treatment and prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of superselective transcatheter uterine artery embolization for control of obstetric hemorrhage. METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2005, 14 consecutive patients underwent uterine artery embolization to control postpartum hemorrhage, and two to prevent hemorrhage before second-trimester therapeutic abortion. RESULTS: Embolization was performed by transfemoral arterial catheterization. Pieces of absorbable gelatin sponge were used in all cases, with the addition of platinum coils in two cases for complete vessel occlusion. Optimal bleeding control was achieved in all cases but one--a patient who underwent hysterectomy due to embolization failure. No severe complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The high success rate, low morbidity rate, and possibility of preserving reproductive function have made superselective uterine artery embolization the technique of choice to control life-threatening, intractable postpartum hemorrhage in hemodynamically stable patients, provided multidisciplinary medical teams are promptly available.     

Transcatheter arterial embolization in the management of gynecological neoplasms

Six patients were treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Three patients suffered from intractable genital bleeding; the other three patients were preoperative cases of a stage III adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix and two of these had gestational trophoblastic disease. Bleeding was stopped in all three cases of intractable hemorrhage; one patient rebled after 6 days. In the three preoperative cases, transcatheter arterial embolization was thought to be effective in decreasing intraoperative blood loss. There are no other reports of application of this technique to preoperative cases to decrease intraoperative blood loss in gynecological cases.     

难治性产后出血干预性治疗方法的对比研究

目的探讨难治性产后出血的各种干预性措施在抢救过程中的合理应用及应用价值。方法分析1998年1月至2003年8月间，采用宫腔填塞纱布(塞纱)、盆腔动脉结扎、经导管动脉栓塞术等干预性措施的88例难治性产后出血病人的临床资料。结果全部抢救成功，其中18例宫腔塞纱者成功12例(66．7％)，12例盆腔动脉结扎中成功4例(33．3％)，30例经导管动脉栓塞术(TAE)治疗全部成功(100％)，42例一次开腹行全子宫切除术或加盆腔塞纱者成功36例(85．7％)。结论宫腔塞纱可压迫止血。TAE可替代子宫切除术。当子宫成为凝血功能障碍的病因时，主张行子宫切除．     

Pelvic arterial embolization for control of obstetric hemorrhage: A five-year experience

Objective: 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. In contrast, endovascular embolization techniques have a success rate of >90%. An additional benefit of the latter procedure is that fertility is maintained. We report our experience at Stanford University Medical Center in which this technique was used in 6 cases within the past 5 years. Study Design: Six women between the ages of 18 and 41 years underwent placement of arterial catheters for emergency (n = 3) or prophylactic (n = 3) control of postpartum bleeding. Specific diagnoses included cervical pregnancy (n = 1), uterine atony (n = 3), and placenta previa and accreta (n = 2). Results: Control of severe or anticipated postpartum hemorrhage was obtained with transcatheter embolization in 4 patients. A fifth patient had balloon occlusion of the uterine artery performed prophylactically, but embolization was not necessary. In a sixth case, bleeding could not be controlled in time, and hysterectomy was performed. The only complication observed with this technique was postpartum fever in 1 patient, which was treated with antibiotics and resolved within 7 days. Conclusions: Uterine artery embolization is a superior first-line alternative to surgery for control of obstetric hemorrhage. Use of transcatheter occlusion balloons before embolization allows timely control of bleeding and permits complete embolization of the uterine arteries and hemostasis. Given the improved ultrasonography techniques, diagnosis of some potential high-risk conditions for postpartum hemorrhage, such as placenta previa or accreta, can be made prenatally. The patient can then be prepared with prophylactic placement of arterial catheters, and rapid occlusion of these vessels can be achieved if necessary. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1454-60.)     

Uterine artery embolization in postabortion hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the efficacy of postabortion uterine artery embolization in cases of refractory hemorrhage. METHODS: Forty-two women were identified who had postabortion uterine artery embolization at San Francisco General Hospital between January 2000 and August 2007. Seven underwent embolization for hemorrhage caused by abnormal placentation. RESULTS: Embolization was successful in 90% (38 of 42) of cases. All failures (n=4) were in patients who had confirmed abnormal placentation. However, three of seven women (43%) with probable accreta diagnosed by ultrasonography were treated successfully with uterine artery embolization. Two patients experienced complications of uterine artery embolization. These complications-one contrast reaction and one femoral artery embolus-were treated without further sequelae. CONCLUSION: Uterine artery embolization is an alternative to hysterectomy in patients with postabortion hemorrhage refractory to conservative measures, especially when hemorrhage is caused by uterine atony or cervical laceration.     

Arterial embolization and prophylactic catheterization for the treatment for severe obstetric hemorrhage*

BACKGROUND. To evaluate indications, efficacy, and complications associated with arterial embolization and prophylactic balloon catheterization in the management of obstetric hemorrhage at a university hospital. METHODS. Twenty-two women underwent arterial embolization between February 2001 and November 2003 for the treatment for primary postpartum hemorrhage resulting from abnormal placentation (n=11), uterine atony (n=7), paravaginal laceration (n=3), and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (n=1). Blood loss was between 3.2 and 15 l. In seven patients, abnormal placentation was diagnosed prenatally and in these patients balloon catheterization was performed prophylactically before elective cesarean section. RESULTS. Of the seven patients, who underwent prophylactic catheterization, embolization was successful in five resulting in adequate hemostasis. Hysterectomy was performed in three, in two patients for uncontrolled hemorrhage and in one patient for placental invasion to bladder. There were no complications associated with prophylactic catheterization and embolization. The other 15 patients were treated in an emergency setting. In eight patients, embolization was performed as a primary surgery, and it was successful in six. In the other seven patients, hysterectomy was performed as an emergency surgery, but bleeding continued. Of these, in six patients, hemostasis was achieved with embolization. Complications associated with emergency embolization were observed in three patients. These were thrombosis of left popliteal artery, vaginal necrosis, and paresthesia of the right leg. CONCLUSIONS. Arterial embolization is of significant value in treating obstetric hemorrhage. Prophylactic insertion of balloon catheters before cesarean section seems to be a safe and effective method in controlling anticipated bleeding. In patients with persistent bleeding following cesarean section and hysterectomy, embolization could be a primary procedure before re-surgery.     

Pelvic arterial embolization in obstetric hemorrhage

AIM: To analyze safety and efficacy of pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) in preventing and treating obstetrical hemorrhage. METHODS: A consecutive study of eight cases undergoing pelvic artery embolization from January 2010 to October 2012 in Department of Obstetric and Gynecology of Maulana Azad Medical College for intractable obstetric hemorrhage was done. All embolization were carried out in cath lab of cardiology Department at associated GB Pant Hospital. RESULTS: Clinical success was defined as arrest of bleeding after PAE without need for repeat PAE or additional surgery which was 75% in our series. PAE was successful in controlling obstetrical hemorrhage in all except one who had mortality. Other had hysterectomy due to secondary hemorrhage. Five resumed menstruation. None of the women intended to conceive, hence are practicing contraception. CONCLUSION: PAE is minimally invasive procedure which should be offered early for hemostasis in intractable obstetrical haemorrhage unresponsive to uterotonic. It is a fertility sparing option with minor complications.     

Angiographic embolization for control of pelvic genital tract hemorrhage. Report of 14 cases.

Fourteen patients with intractable bleeding of obstetric or gynecological origin underwent transcatheter angiographic arterial embolization. Three patients had postpartum hemorrhage associated with dilutional coagulopathy, anticoagulant therapy and placental leukemic metastases, or placenta percreta. One patient had locally advanced gestational trophoblastic tumor, one had uterine sarcoma and 8 had advanced cervical malignancy. Bleeding was completely controlled in all patients regardless of the initiating event. The embolizing material was gelatin sponge particles in 12 patients, and spring coil in 2. In experienced hands, angiographic arterial embolization is a safe, effective and less invasive alternative to surgical ligation in some clinical states of pelvic female genital tract hemorrhage.     

Results of endovascular treatment in cases of abnormal placentation with post-partum hemorrhage

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical success of selective arterial embolization in cases of post-partum hemorrhage due to abnormal placentation. METHODS: Six patients with persistent hemorrhage and abnormal placental implantation underwent uterine artery embolization over a period of three years. RESULTS: In four patients, the placenta was left in place after a gentle attempt at removal and post-partum hemorrhage was controlled during or shortly after the procedure. In all cases, embolization was possible even when there was previous arterial ligation (two cases). In one case, a hysterectomy was required at 21 d later due to uterus and bladder necrosis. Arterial embolization in cases of abnormal placental implantation remains an uncommon treatment and is less efficient in these cases than in normal placental implantation. CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed that even in cases of moderate bleeding, conservation treatment and embolization are possible, but that complications may be more common than in normal placentation.     

超选择性动脉栓塞术治疗恶性滋养细胞肿瘤灶大出血的疗效观察

目的 评价超选择性动脉栓塞术控制恶性滋养细胞肿瘤灶大出血的效果。方法 自1990年2月至2001年6月,因瘤灶大出血而行超选择性动脉栓塞术治疗的恶性滋养细胞肿瘤患者31例,其中绒毛膜癌患者24例,侵蚀性葡萄胎7例。出血部位分别为,子宫22例,阴道3例,肝脏3例,膀胱2例,肠道1例。动脉栓塞治疗后所有患者均接受了化学药物治疗。结果 28例（90．3％）患者通过超选择动脉栓塞术成功控制出血;3例（9．7％）再次出血的患者,经手术证实均为子宫穿孔,行子宫切除术。26例（83．9％）患者化学药物治疗后痊愈,其中4例患者再次妊娠成功并足月分娩。结论 超选择性动脉栓塞术可有效控制恶性滋养细胞肿瘤灶的大出血。     

Arterial embolization in the management of abdominal and retroperitoneal hemorrhage

In the field of gynecologic oncology, surgical intervention has been the traditional management of postoperative abdominal hemorrhage. Recently, arterial embolization has been reported to effectively control vaginal hemorrhage associated with gynecologic malignancy, obstetrical trauma, and hysterectomy. This study reports the use of arteriographic embolization in the management of six cases of postoperative abdominal and retroperitoneal arterial hemorrhage. Analysis of these cases provides valuable information which enhances the safety and efficacy of this procedure. Results suggest that arterial embolization, by an experienced arteriographer, should be considered early in the postoperative management of abdominal hemorrhage in gynecology and gynecologic oncology.     

导管动脉栓塞术在难治性产后出血中的应用

目的　探讨经导管动脉栓塞术（TAE）在难治性产后出血中的应用价值。方法　以Seldinger技术对14例难治性产后出血患者,行经皮双髂内动脉前干或子宫动脉超选择插管术,应用数字减影血管造影（DSA）技术明确出血部位后灌注抗生素(头孢噻甲羧肟),并以明胶海绵颗粒栓塞。结果　（1）14例经保守治疗无效的难治性产后出血患者,经TAE治疗后一次性止血成功,止血时间3～10min,平均时间(6.1±3.6)min,手术时间30～50min,平均（41.8±6.4）min;（2）应用DSA发现,出血均来源于单侧或双侧子宫动脉,表现为宫腔内弥漫性、局灶性出血或单侧子宫动脉分支出血;（3）随访2～60个月,14例患者均恢复规律月经,无严重并发症发生。结论　应用TAE治疗难治性产后出血有较好的临床效果,具有止血快、并发症少的特点。     

Current indications for uterine artery embolization to treat postpartum hemorrhage

Uterine artery embolization is an interventional radiology technique successfully used for more than 30 years in the management of gynecological or obstetrical hemorrhage. Precise indications for uterine artery embolization to treat postpartum hemorrhage have been recently published. Uterine artery embolization is indicated in case of uterine atony despite medical treatment particularly after vaginal delivery, in case of vaginal thrombus or cervical tear after failed surgical repair. Embolization can also be discussed in case of persistent hemorrhage after arterial ligation or hysterectomy. Finally, arterial embolization can be attempted in case of placenta accreta to avoid hysterectomy. In all situations, pluridisciplinary management of patients with involvement of interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists and obstetricians is mandatory. Early transportation of patients for embolization should be discussed taking into consideration time of onset of hemorrhage, expected transfer time and treatment options available on site. For validated indications, success rates of arterial embolization as high as 80% can be expected in experienced hands.     

Abnormal placentation and selective embolization of the uterine arteries

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal placentation accounts for more than 50% of uterine artery embolization failure. The authors report their experience in this situation. STUDY DESIGN: Seven women presented with abnormal placentation. Uterine artery embolization was carried out in emergency or prophylactic control of postpartum bleeding. RESULTS: In five patients, control of postpartum hemorrhage was obtained without hysterectomy. In two cases with no placental removal and prophylactic procedures, hysterectomy and blood transfusion were not necessary. The manual removal of the placenta was achieved secondarily, respectively on the 25th and the 12th day. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of uterine artery embolization for postpartum bleeding appears to be lower with abnormal placentation. In none of the cases with the placenta present was it possible to leave the residual placenta in place. However, embolization may permit a safe waiting period and spontaneous migration of the placenta. When the diagnosis is made before delivery, prophylactic uterine artery embolization without placental removal should be considered to reduce blood transfusion and preserve fertility.