Balloon tamponade of hemorrhage after uterine curettage for gestational trophoblastic disease

Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Feb;113(2 Pt 2):557-560. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e318193bff3.

Abstract

Background: Uterine bleeding frequently complicates gestational trophoblastic disease, particularly after uterine evacuation. Hysterectomy and other procedures used to control this bleeding incur significant risk and can limit fertility.

Case: We present a case of massive hemorrhage complicating uterine curettage performed for metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease. The patient's bleeding was controlled successfully by intrauterine tamponade performed using a balloon catheter. After catheter removal, she achieved complete disease remission.

Conclusion: Intrauterine balloon catheterization appears to be a promising alternative to control uterine hemorrhage and preserve fertility for young women undergoing treatment for gestational trophoblastic disease. Its use may help avoid invasive interventions, such as hysterectomy and embolization, currently used to control hemorrhage after uterine evacuation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols*
  • Balloon Occlusion*
  • Catheterization*
  • Dactinomycin / administration & dosage
  • Dilatation and Curettage / adverse effects*
  • Etoposide / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / drug therapy
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Leucovorin / administration & dosage
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Pregnancy
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / therapy*

Substances

  • Dactinomycin
  • Etoposide
  • Leucovorin
  • Methotrexate