Subsequent pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in the case series that underwent bilateral hypogastric artery ligation (BHGAL) due to severe postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation (BHGAL) on women's pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in cases with severe postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: Patients hospitalized in a tertiary care center between 2007 and 2018 were included in the study. The records of cases were obtained from the hospital database, retrospectively. Maternal demographic data, morbidities or complications associated with BHGAL surgery, any additional haemostatic interventional or surgical procedures, preoperative admission and lowest postoperative haematocrit-hemoglobin values, blood products given, type of anaesthesia, intensive care unit (ICU) and length of hospital stay were recorded. In cases without surgical sterilization, future fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed for at least two years after operation. Information was obtained through face-to-face or telephone interviews with patients whose long-term fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Results: Sixty-eight patients with BHGAL surgery history were included in the study. 26 Of 37 cases (70%) that did not undergo surgical sterilization had a desire for pregnancy after the surgery. Six of these cases (23%) were diagnosed with secondary infertility. The fertility rate of these cases was 77%, and subsequent pregnancy was detected in 20 women. A total of 25 pregnancies, including first and second pregnancies, developed, and 15 of these pregnancies resulted in term delivery, six preterm births, one stillbirth, and three abortions. Conclusions: The postoperative pregnancy rate was found to be higher than the rate of women with infertility problems, and this surgery does not seem to adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. This is a tertiary center experience and cohort studies with large patient series are needed.