The treatment of post-partum bleeding with transcatheter arterial embolization

Background: Our aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter embolization in the treatment of post-partum bleedings. Methods: In a single institution, the outcome of 15 patients who underwent transarterial embolization (TAE) for post-partum hemorrhages (PPH) were retrospectively reviewed. Eleven patients presented with hemodynamic instability requiring blood transfusion (73%) and four patients were hemodynamically stable (27%). Arterial embolization was performed with gelatin sponge, particles, and coils. Results: Mean follow-up time was 21.2 months (range 12–48 months). Technical success rate was 100%. The overall clinical success rate was 100%. No major complications that required intensive care treatment were registered during or after the procedures. No patient required emergency surgery and subsequent hysterectomy. During follow-up, four patients became pregnant after transcatheter arterial embolization and delivered full-term, healthy infants. Conclusions: TAE is a safe method that allows for the avoidance of surgery and hysterectomy for uncontrollable PPH; a future normal pregnancy after embolization may be hypothesized.