OBSTETRIC HEMORRHAGE - PROPHYLACTIC AND EMERGENCY ARTERIAL CATHETERIZATION AND EMBOLOTHERAPY

The role of arterial catheterization and embolotherapy was evaluated i n 18 patients with postpartum hemorrhage or a risk of hemorrhage. Nine patients underwent emergency arterial catheterization for unanticipat ed postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine and vaginal tears and/or place ntal abnormalities. Bleeding was controlled with embolization with gel atin sponge in eight patients, while bleeding in one patient stopped s pontaneously during angiography. Nine patients underwent prophylactic arterial catheterization before cesarean section or for abnormalities associated with risk of hemorrhage. Two subsequently underwent emboliz ation before surgery, and embolization in two others was performed int raoperatively in response to serious bleeding. Bleeding in the other f ive was controlled by the usual surgical means. Arterial embolotherapy in these patients was an effective means of controlling postpartum he morrhage. Prophylactic arterial catheterization has a role in patients with an increased risk for obstetric hemorrhage.