Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of obstetric hemorrhage

Objective: To describe cases of obstetric hemorrhage that required uterine artery embolization (UAE) and evaluate the effectiveness of this technique and its success rate. To establish its safety by detecting complications during and after the process. Material and methods: We studied patients who required UAE after medical treatment failed to resolve postpartum hemorrhage at the General Hospital of Albacete from January 1st 2006 until December 31st 2012. The occurrence of immediate and late complications and the subsequent fertility of these patients were evaluated during follow-up. Results: Eight patients with postpartum hemorrhage required UAE. The technique was successful in 6 of the 8 patients, representing an overall success rate of 75%. Of the 6 patients with successful EAU, 5 subsequently became pregnant. Conclusion: UAE for obstetric hemorrhage provides good results with few complications and preserves fertility. (C) 2013 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.