I. Hypogastric artery ligation for intractable pelvic hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes of bilateral hypogastric (internal iliac) ligation performed to control intractable pelvic hemorrhage and avoid hysterectomy.

METHODS

A review of indications and outcomes for 117 cases of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation over 15 years (1990-2004).

RESULTS

Apart from a slight lesion to the hypogastric vein, no complications were observed. Hemorrhage was effectively controlled in all 37 obstetric cases. In 13 of these cases, the uterus was preserved even when there was cervical pregnancy, placenta previa, placental abruption, uterine atony, and uterine rupture, and 4 women were delivered of mature infants. Hemorrhage was effectively controlled in 41 of 80 gynecologic cases. Prophylactic reduction of pelvic blood flow was the indication for the procedure in 39 cases, 5 of whom involving Jehovah's Witnesses adverse to blood transfusion. The uterus was preserved in only a few of the 41 controlled cases, but one woman (so far) was delivered of a mature infant.

CONCLUSION

Hypogastric artery ligation was found to be indicated if (1) life-threatening pelvic hemorrhage could not be controlled by conservative methods; (2) prophylactic reduction of pelvic blood flow was needed to prevent anticipated hemorrhage; and (3) preservation of reproductive function was desired. The procedure was found to be safe and usually effective and should be taught during obstetric and gynecologic training.

Successful enucleation of a necrotizing fibroid causing oligohydramnios and fetal postural deformity in the 25th week of gestation. A case report

BACKGROUND

In approximately 2% of pregnancies, uterine fibroids are detected. In 10% of diagnosed cases some complications are to be expected during pregnancy and/or delivery.

CASE

A 32-year-old woman presented in the 25th week of gestation with a fibroid causing oligohydramnios and fetal postural deformity. A laparotomy and conservative myomectomy were performed with the hope of preserving the pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations performed postoperatively showed that the fetal postural deformity had ended and that the pace of fetal development had returned to normal. A healthy, male newborn weighing 3,600 g was born in the 40th week of gestation via cesarean section.

CONCLUSION

The medical literature generally agrees upon conservative therapy; however, there are indications for laparotomy performed during the course of pregnancy complicated by a fibroid. In this case the fetal postural deformity, retardation in development and oligohydramnios, recognized preoperatively, provided indications for laparotomy. The success of the operation was established by postoperative sonography, which showed cessation of the fetal postural deformity and registered a normal volume of amniotic fluid.

Multifocal hemangioendothelioma of the fetus and placenta

A case of multifocal hemangioendothelioma of the liver, adrenal gland, and placenta is reported. The histological appearance of the tumor is consistent with an infantile hemangioendothelioma, type 2. Multifocal development is the most obvious explanation for the disease but the possibility that this represents malignant placental neoplasm with metastases requires consideration.