A comparison analysis of uterine artery embolism and total hysterectomy in intractable postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinic value of uterine artery embolism (UAE) and total hysterectomy (TH) for intractable postpartum hemorrhage. Methods 15 cases of intractable postpartum hemorrhage were performed UAE and other 17 cases of intractable postpartum hemorrhage were performed HE in our hospital during 10 years. Two groups' preoperative preparation time, operation time and the hospitalization time were compared. Results The preoperative preparation time (26.2±1.6) min of UAE was significantly longer than TH group (13.5±1.4) min (P<0.01; the former group's average operation time was (47.8±16.2) min, and the latter group's was (100.6±18.7) min (P<0.01); the hospitalization time of UAE (6.1±0.1) days was significantly shorter than TH group (8.8±0.5) days)(P<0.01). Conclusion With short operation time, low morbidity rate and possibility of preserving reproductive function, UAE is proved to be very effective in the treatment of intractable postpartum hemorrhage, but in some cases, UAE can't replace TH yet. Key words: Embolization, therapeutic; Hysterectomy; Postpartum hemorrhage