Pelvic embolization for treatment of hemorrhage related to spontaneous and induced abortion.

OBJECTIVE

Presentation of outcomes of pelvic arterial embolization for hemorrhage after spontaneous or induced abortion.

STUDY DESIGN

We collected case reports of embolization after spontaneous or induced abortion from oral presentations and from members of the National Abortion Federation.

RESULTS

Pelvic arterial embolization was performed for 11 women who had hemorrhage after spontaneous or induced abortion, and it was initially successful for all women. One woman ultimately required a hysterectomy after unsuccessful repeated embolization. Prophylactic embolization was done for 8 women who were at risk for hemorrhage from placenta accreta; 4 of these women had subsequent hysterectomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective pelvic arterial embolization may be a successful treatment for hemorrhage associated with spontaneous and induced abortion. Embolization can be considered before hysterectomy is undertaken for control of hemorrhage. There may be a role for prophylactic catheterization or embolization when there is a risk of severe hemorrhage.