Uterine arterial embolization in the management of severe post-partum hemorrhage: a successful rescue method to avoid peripartum hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND Although the effects of uterine arterial embolization (UAE) for the control of post-partum hemorrhage on menstruation, fertility and future pregnancy have been reported before, domestic reports on long-term outcomes are lacking. METHODS From April 2001 to March 2005, 9 patients who underwent UAE for post-partum hemorrhage were evaluated retrospectively. The analyses included both immediate and long-term outcome, including menstruation, future fertility and subsequent pregnancies. RESULTS The median follow-up was 82 months, ranging from 63 months to 108 months. All the women had regular menstruation after UAE treatment, but 5 had hypomenorrhea. Four women attempted pregnancy, and 3 had successful term deliveries. One woman was infertile. CONCLUSION UAE appeared to be a safe procedure. Hypomenorrhea was common after UAE treatment (55.6%), although regular menstruation returned successfully. Future pregnancy seemed possible, and without complications.