Embolization for pelvic arterial bleeding following a transobturator tape procedure

Abstract

The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure was devised to reduce morbidity, but nevertheless, it may cause significant complications. We treated a patient by pelvic arterial embolization due to severe arterial bleeding following the TOT procedure. The patient presented with vaginal bleeding and hematoma after the TOT procedure. She demonstrated bleeding from the left internal pudendal artery and was treated successfully by selective embolization. Although the risk of arterial injury during the TOT procedure is rare, pelvic surgeons should consider the possibility. Angiography with embolization should be considered for treatment of pelvic arterial bleeding following the TOT procedure.