Angiographic uterine artery chemoembolization followed by vacuum aspiration: an efficient and safe treatment for managing complicated cesarean scar pregnancy

Abstract

To evaluate uterine artery chemoembolization (UAEC) followed by vacuum aspiration as a conservative treatment for complicated cesarean scar pregnancy. A retrospective review was performed of women presenting with cesarean scar pregnancy between January 2002 and December 2008. The medical record was evaluated to determine the method of treatment. During the time period studied, 13 women were identified who underwent UAEC followed by vacuum aspiration. 12 women successfully had bilateral UAEC followed by vacuum aspiration alone, one woman had unilateral UAEC followed by vacuum aspiration but subsequently required laparotomy. All 13 women were successfully cured and retained uterus, there was no case with severe complicating disease. With the follow-up period, two women who were planning future pregnancy conceived, and spontaneous abortion occurred in one of them during the first trimester, another had an elective cesarean delivery at term. UAEC combined with vacuum aspiration is technically feasible and may help avoid laparotomy in women with cesarean scar pregnancy.