OBSTETRIC EMBOLOTHERAPY - EFFECT ON MENSES AND PREGNANCY

PURPOSE: To determine the longterm effects of uterine embolotherapy wi th gelatin sponge pledgets on menses and fertility. MATERIALS AND METH ODS: Between June 1990 and December 1995, 17 women (aged 20-44 years) with obstetric hemorrhage underwent selective gelatin sponge pledget e mbolization of uterine vessels. Gynecologic information in the 12 wome n who did not undergo hysterectomy was obtained by means of direct com munication or from the patients' physicians. RESULTS: In 11 (92%) of t he 12 women, normal menses resumed within 2-5 months of the procedure. There were no complications related to embolotherapy. The follow-up p eriod was 1-6 years. All three patients who desired to conceive had fu ll-term, healthy newborns. The only patient who is amenorrheic is curr ently receiving medroxyprogesterone acetate; her ultimate menstrual an d fertility status cannot yet be determined. CONCLUSION: Selective emb olization of the uterine vessels with gelatin sponge pledgets is a saf e and effective method of managing pregnancy-related hemorrhage. Our r esults suggest that women who undergo this procedure can expect to hav e a return of normal menses with no adverse effect on fertility.