Uterine artery embolization combined with ultrasound-guided dilation and curettage for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: Efficacy and 5–8-year follow-up study

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with dilation and curettage (D&C) using ultrasound as a treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and assess its effect on ovarian and reproductive function.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with uterine CSP between January 2011 and December 2015 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were treated with UAE combined with D&C using ultrasound for the treatment of CSP and followed up for 5–8 years. Their medical records, medical histories, clinical manifestations, treatment courses, and treatment results were analyzed.

Results

The 54 patients were initially treated without severe complications. β-Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) normalization took 36.11 ​± ​10.73 days (range, 25–84 days), length of hospitalization was 6.6 ​± ​1.5 days (range, 4–10 days), and total blood loss was 18.48 ​± ​8.41 ​mL (range, 5–33 ​mL). All patients resumed normal menstruation after 33.48 ​± ​8.71 days (range, 26–70 days). At the 5–8-year follow-up after UAE combined with D&C by ultrasound for the treatment of uterine CSP, the menstrual volume in 32 (59.3%) patients decreased versus before the operation. Compared with pretreatment, the menstrual cycle was prolonged in two (3.7%) cases, shortened in 10 (18.5%) cases, irregular in one (1.9%) case, and unchanged in 39 (72.2%) cases. Three patients conceived naturally and successfully gave birth to healthy children. Seven (12.96%) patients with accidental natural pregnancies chose induced abortion with no significant change in their sex lives.

Conclusion

UAE combined with D&C using ultrasound for the treatment of uterine CSP is safe and effective and may not affect the fertility of patients aged <40 years. However, menstrual volume may be reduced in some patients.