The clinical applications of interventional radiological techniques in obstetrics and gynaecology

Abstract

Key content Uterine artery embolisation can be used as a minimally invasive technique for the management of benign gynaecological conditions refractory to other medical treatments. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) recommend the use of interventional radiology (IR) techniques for the prophylaxis and management of postpartum haemorrhage. Interventional radiologists can percutaneously drain post‐operative collections or tubo‐ovarian abscesses. Interventional radiology plays a role in the management of early pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease. Interventional radiology can aid the care of patients with gynaecological malignancies. Learning objectives To understand the various IR techniques applicable to obstetrics and gynaecology To understand the risk and benefit profiles of these techniques To understand when the techniques could be appropriate and how they compare to surgical alternatives Ethical issues There are limited data regarding the use of some IR procedures owing to the ethical issues of using experimental techniques to treat pregnant women or women who wish to conceive. The availability of IR procedures is hospital specific so treatment is not available to all who may benefit.