Objective: To analyze our experience with uterine artery embolization in the management of massive hemorrhage in obstetric patients.
Patients and methods: This observational, retrospective study analyzed all deliveries requiring a blood transfusion that were performed in the maternity unit of Hospital Universitario La Paz between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2005.
Results: A total of 57,835 deliveries were performed with an incidence of postpartum hemorrhage of 0.7% (406 episodes). Uterine artery embolization was performed on 51 patients and 45 patients underwent obstetric hysterectomy. Both procedures were performed on 11 patients. Ten of the patients who underwent obstetric hysterectomy subsequently required uterine artery embolization, whereas only 1 patient required an obstetric hysterectomy following embolization because the hemorrhage was not resolved. The mean consumption of blood products for patients who underwent obstetric hysterectomy was twice that for patients who underwent uterine artery embolization. There were no complications secondary to embolization.
Conclusions: Uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective procedure for managing massive postpartum hemorrhage.