A Successful Pregnancy after Laparoscopic Surgery: Severe Recurrent Pelvic Arteriovenous Malformation Managed by Laparoscopic Internal Iliac Artery Ligation

Abstract

Study objective: To show a case of severe pelvic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treated by laparoscopic internal iliac artery ligation after 2 uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedures, where successful pregnancy was achieved after surgery.

Design: Stepwise demonstration of the technique with a video.

Setting: Chinese PLA General Hospital.

Interventions: A 36-year-old woman with heavy menstrual bleeding was diagnosed with pelvic AVM by computed tomography scan. Before surgical intervention, she underwent 2 UAE procedures that temporarily reduced menstrual blood loss. Finally, we performed a laparoscopic internal iliac artery ligation on her. After the surgery, she conceived naturally. During the cesarean section, no AVMs were found.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic internal iliac artery ligation can be a choice for patients who still have severe symptoms of AVM after UAE.

Keywords: Arteriovenous malformation; Internal iliac artery ligation; Uterine artery embolization.