[Uterine artery embolization as palliative treatment in cervical cancer].

OBJECTIVE To describe intractable bleeding in cases of end-stage cervical cancer that required uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a palliative treatment, evaluating the effectiveness of the technique and its success rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective study performed from January 2001 to May 2014, that included patients diagnosed with cervical carcinoma stage IV bleeding, who required uterine artery embolization as palliative treatment in the General Hospital of Albacete. RESULTS Six patients had symptoms of moderate to severe bleeding and anemia. After the UAE, it was possible to offer a proper management of bleeding and successful stabilization of the patients, improving their quality of life. The success of the technique was complete (100%). CONCLUSION Uterine artery embolization can be an effective technique in women with advanced cancers, which are not amenable to other treatments.