ABSTRACT
We reviewed the clinical data of 24 patients with postpartum hemorrhage undergoing transcatheter arterial embolism from March 2009 to September 2011.Twenty out of 24 patients underwent uterine artery embolism,while other 4 underwent internal iliac artery embolism.The hemorrhage reduced markedly 2 to 9 min after arterial embolism in all patients,except 2 who underwent secondary embolism due to the intermittent postoperative hemorrhage. The postoperative complications included low fever and discomfort in lower abdomen.Nineteen patients were followed up for a mean period of ( 17.3 ± 1.1 ) months,no recurrent hemorrhage was observed after discharge.The normal menstrual cycle recovered 4 to 6 months after operation.Three patients underwent pregnancy successfully after discharge.The results indicate that transcatheter arterial embolism is safe and effective in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage and it should be recommended as a feasible choice in clinical practice.