Fertility following ligation of internal iliac arteries for life-threatening obstetric haemorrhage: case report

Abstract

Bilateral ligation of internal iliac (hypogastric) arteries (BIL) is a life-saving operation in cases of massive obstetric haemorrhage. This operation preserves reproductive function as opposed to the more commonly performed emergency hysterectomy in such situations. We report on effectiveness and future fertility in 12 women who had internal iliac ligation to control severe obstetric haemorrhage: in 10 out of the 12 women, BIL was successful. Of the two women who subsequently needed emergency hysterectomy, one woman died of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Of the eight women we were able to follow-up to assess reproductive performance, two did not desire future fertility. Three had subsequent pregnancies (50 percent), of whom two proceeded to term. We conclude that BIL is a safe and effective procedure for treating life-threatening obstetric haemorrhage with preservation of future fertility. This technique should be performed more often when indicated.