Discussion of indication for selecting ectopic pregnancy treated by trans-uterine artery embolization

Objective: To discuss the selection of indication for using uterine artery perfusion and embolization in tubal pregnancy. Methods: Fifty one cases of tubal pregnancy were treated by superselective trans-uterine artery (TUA) catheterization with perfusing Methorexate (MTX) and then embolized the uterine arteries by gelfoam. The comparisons among serum β-HCG concentration, abdominal bleeding and the size of the ectopic mass could state the importance of the indication selection preproceduralty. Results: Forty eight of the 51 cases were cured by this method, when the ectopic mass size ≥5 cm, the cure rate was low, 33.33% (P<0.01), although the serum β-HCG concentration was ≤10 000 mIU/ml with no abdominal hemorrhage; otherwise, with mass size ≤5 cm, without consideration of the serum β-HCG concentration and abdominal bleeding, the cure rate was 97.92%. Conclusion: The technique of trans-uterine artery MTX perfusion and embolization selection of close clinical could result in satisfactory treatment for tubal pregnancy. Careful selection of indication, close clinical observation and neady for any emergency should always be on alert. (authors)