The function of bilateral uterine artery embolization in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage

Yingyan ZHANG; Song YU

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect of bilateral uterine artery embolization in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.Methods Twenty-seven patients with risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage (prevention group) and 36 patients with postpartum hemorrhage refractory tendency(treatment group) were underwent bilateral uterine artery embolization.The clinical efficacy and side effects were observed.Results The patients in prevention group were given bilateral uterine artery embolization and conventional induction by ethacridine.All of them finished vaginal delivery,postpartum hemorrhage was 200-480 ml,average 385 ml,no case of postpartum hemorrhage.The patients in treatment group occurred intractable postpartum hemorrhage before bilateral uterine artery embolization,the amount of hemorrhage was 1 000-4 200 ml,average 2 050 ml.Among them,9 patients were given carbasus to stuff cavitary uteri,2 patients were given striped-back saturation.Effective in 35 patients,the successful rate was 97.2％ (35/36).One patient was performed with hysterectomy because of inefficient treatment.None occurred maternal deaths,inefficient and necrosis of lower limbs.All of patients had entire involution of uterus.Reviewed at clinic service after delivery,none occurred postpartum hemorrhage,puerperal infection,Sheehan's syndrome.The menstrual recovery time was 3-13 months for 53 patients who were followed up.Conclusions Bilateral uterine artery embolization have advantage such as safe,effective,less side effects,and is an effective method for the treatment of various causes of intractable postpartum hemorrhage.It is worthy of clinical application on the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.