Arterial embolization for bleeding following hysterectomy for intractable postpartum hemorrhage

Angiographic embolization is a well documented technique that has been utilized for controlling pelvic hemorrhage. A case is described of a 41-year-old para 3 woman with intractable bleeding following a cesarean hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony and coagulopathy. On angiogram, no bleeding was seen from the uterine vessels. An injection of dye above the origin of the gonadal vessels showed persistent hemorrhage from the left ovarian artery. This report illustrates the importance of intensive resuscitation and supportive measures, and the value of angiographic embolization after failed surgery. It also emphasizes the need to locate the exact bleeding vessel on angiography for embolization to be successful.