Polona Vihtelic

Dr. Polona Vihtelic

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 August 2023 in BMC Urology
Verified
Journal Article
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PVPolona Vihtelic
Polona Vihtelic
SHsimon hawlina
simon hawlina
PPPeter Popovic
Peter Popovic
Background: An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal communication between an artery and a vein. Traumatic penile arteriospongious fistula is a rare complication and has been described as a cause of erectile dysfunction. Clinical evaluation of patients with erectile dysfunction after penile trauma includes a thorough history, physical examination, vascular assessment, and other complementary exams. Treatment consists of endovascular embolization, surgical ligation, or a combination of both techniques. Case presentation: A 40-year-old man presented with erectile dysfunction that had persisted since suffering blunt trauma a few months ago. He reported problems with short duration of erection and insufficient penile tumescence. Due to high suspicion of an arteriovenous fistula, he was referred to angiography, which confirmed the diagnosis of an abnormal connection between the pudendal vessels. The patient was treated with the coil embolization technique and the symptoms were successfully resolved after endovascular treatment. Conclusions: The appearance of a post-traumatic arteriospongious fistula is a rare complication with almost non-existent literature reported. Rapid development in endovascular techniques, in which we use embolic agents to block anomalous blood flow, has allowed safe, effective and less invasive alternative to surgery. Our case demonstrates that endovascular approach is a successful treatment for post-traumatic arteriospongious fistula since the symptoms were resolved, and normal erectile function was regained after the intervention.

12 November 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ESEva Skuk
Eva Skuk
PVPolona Vihtelic
Polona Vihtelic
PPPeter Popovic
Peter Popovic
KKKaja Kovač
Kaja Kovač
IVIvan Verdenik
Ivan Verdenik
NŠNataša Kenda Šuster
Nataša Kenda Šuster
Purpose: Retained products of conception (RPOC) are a common complication after pregnancy. While hysteroscopic resection is the standard treatment when RPOC does not resolve spontaneously, highly vascular tissue can lead to severe bleeding during the procedure. This study assessed clinical outcomes, procedural safety, and reproductive performance in patients with highly vascular RPOC treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) prior to hysteroscopy, compared to those treated with hysteroscopy alone. Methods: This retrospective study included 42 women diagnosed with RPOC at University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia (2010–2020). Patients were divided into two groups: UAE followed by hysteroscopic resection (UAE + HSC, n = 21) and hysteroscopic resection alone (HSC-only, n = 21). Data on clinical outcomes, complications, and reproductive history were analyzed using Fisher’s exact and t-tests (p < 0.05). Results: Groups were similar in baseline characteristics, except for greater vascularity in the UAE + HSC group (100% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.05). Bleeding >300 mL occurred more often in the UAE + HSC group, but all cases were managed conservatively and only one patient required transfusion. No uterine perforations occurred. Residual RPOC was found in one patient per group. Rates of endometritis, menstrual changes, and pelvic pain were comparable. Among those who attempted conception, live birth and miscarriage rates did not differ significantly. Conclusions: UAE prior to hysteroscopic surgery appears to be a safe and effective option for highly vascular RPOC, especially in patients at risk of hemorrhage, with no adverse impact on fertility. Further prospective studies are recommended.