Therapeutic embolization for acute haemorrhage in the abdomen and pelvis.

Therapeutic embolization for acute haemorrhage is increasingly being utilized. An audit of 34 patients undergoing therapeutic embolization for acute abdominal or pelvic haemorrhage was undertaken, in an attempt to assess the importance of the following variables in determining a successful outcome: coagulation status, transfusion status, time to procedure after onset of circulatory instability, duration of procedure, and the effect of the embolization technique employed. Overall success was 79%, with definitive control of haemorrhage achieved by embolization; 21% required surgical management for rebleeding 4-24 h post embolization. The duration of the procedure and transfusion status of the patient were the most important factors associated with a successful outcome.