Transcatheter arterial embolization for the control of life-threatening pelvic hemorrhage in a patient with locally advanced cervix carcinoma.

A woman with a refractory locally advanced recurrent cervical cancer was brought to the emergency room because of a life-threatening vaginal hemorrhage from the tumor. She presented with a compromised hemodynamic status that necessitated multiple blood transfusions and large volume of fluid resuscitation. An arteriogram revealed the site of bleeding from the uterine branch of the right internal iliac artery. The branches of anterior and posterior internal iliac artery were embolized with Gelfoam, Ivalon and coils. This emobolization successfully controlled the bleeding and stabilized the hemodynamic status of the patient. The treatment options in patients with massive pelvic hemorrhage are reviewed and discussed.