Color Doppler analysis of pelvic arteries following bilateral internal iliac artery ligation for severe postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Objective To compare Doppler blood flow characteristics of the uterine, arcuate, and ovarian arteries of women who underwent bilateral internal iliac artery ligation with those of controls. Methods Thirteen women who underwent bilateral internal iliac artery ligation for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) were matched with 15 healthy women of reproductive age. Transvaginal color and pulsed (duplex) Doppler modes were used to visualize the pelvic arteries. The pulsatility index, the resistance index, the systolic/diastolic blood flow ratio, the peak systolic velocity, and the end-diastolic velocity were measured. Results The mean age was 26.1 ± 5.2 years in the study group and 27.0 ± 5.4 years in the control group. All participants had regular menstrual periods. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding each of the vascular indices for the uterine, arcuate, and ovarian arteries. Conclusion These findings are consistent with published data demonstrating that pelvic circulation is not compromised after bilateral internal iliac artery ligation.