CIRSE standards of practice on gynaecological and obstetric haemorrhage

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Interventions
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

• Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
• Traditional management of PPH may be insufficient in severe cases, necessitating advanced interventions.
• Obstetric haemorrhage embolisation (OHE) has emerged as a critical minimally invasive treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish best practice recommendations for obstetric haemorrhage embolisation (OHE) in the management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).
• To provide guidance for interventional radiologists performing OHE procedures.
• To standardize approaches to OHE for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Development of best practice recommendations by a dedicated writing group.
• Review of existing literature and clinical experience in OHE for PPH.
• Consensus-based approach to defining optimal techniques and management strategies.

Main Results:

• The document details recommended approaches for patient selection, procedural techniques, and post-procedural care in OHE for PPH.
• It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between interventional radiologists and obstetricians.
• Specific technical considerations for successful embolisation are outlined.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to these best practices can optimize the effectiveness and safety of OHE in PPH management.
• Standardized approaches to OHE are crucial for interventional radiologists treating this critical condition.
• These recommendations aim to enhance the quality of care for women experiencing postpartum haemorrhage.