Pelvic embolization for intractable postpartum XXXX : long-term follow-up and implications for fertility.

@entity1 @entity548 @entity190 @entity5030 @entity1416 @entity3799 @entity1410 @entity8052
OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term sequelae of pelvic embolization for postpartum @entity548 and to study the effect on fertility and menses. METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive @entity1 who underwent pelvic embolization for postpartum @entity548 between the years 1977 and 2002 were included in the study. Chart review and telephone interviews were conducted to gather data regarding the type of delivery, causative factors of the @entity548 , preembolization treatments, @entity190 , length of time between delivery and embolization, complications, long-term side effects, and subsequent pregnancies. RESULTS: The average (+/- standard deviation) time to follow-up was 11.7 +/- 6.9 years. The most common causes of @entity548 were @entity3799 , @entity8052 , and @entity5030 . In only one case was the embolization unsuccessful, during which there was an accidental perforation of an internal iliac artery resulting in a retroperitoneal @entity1410 and subsequent total abdominal hysterectomy. All of the interviewed @entity1 that desired to get pregnant after embolization were able to do so. Six @entity1 reported a total of six uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries in the years after their embolization. Of the remaining @entity1 interviewed, none made subsequent attempts to get pregnant. The most commonly reported long-term side effects were transient buttock numbness (n = 2) and urinary frequency (n = 2). In no @entity1 were the side effects severe enough to seek further medical attention. CONCLUSION: Pelvic @entity1416 is a safe and effective procedure and offers @entity1 a fertility-preserving alternative to hysterectomy for treatment of intractable postpartum @entity548 .
