The role of interventional radiology in obstetric hemorrhage

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2010 Oct;33(5):887-95. doi: 10.1007/s00270-010-9864-4. Epub 2010 May 13.

Abstract

Obstetric hemorrhage remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditionally, in cases of obstetric hemorrhage refractory to conservative treatment, obstetricians have resorted to major surgery with the associated risks of general anesthesia, laparotomy, and, in the case of hysterectomy, loss of fertility. Over the past two decades, the role of pelvic arterial embolization has evolved from a novel treatment option to playing a key role in the management of obstetric hemorrhage. To date, interventional radiology offers a minimally invasive, fertility-preserving alternative to conventional surgical treatment. We review current literature regarding the role of interventional radiology in postpartum hemorrhage, abnormal placentation, abortion, and cervical ectopic pregnancy. We discuss techniques, success rates, and complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiography / methods
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / mortality
  • Emergency Treatment
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage / mortality
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Radiology, Interventional / methods*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Survival Analysis
  • Uterine Artery Embolization / methods*
  • Uterine Artery Embolization / mortality