Alternative approaches to surgical hemostasis in patients with morbidly adherent placenta undergoing fertility-sparing surgery

Urological complications in women undergoing Cesarean section for placenta accreta spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To report on the occurrence of urological complications in women undergoing Cesarean section for placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS).

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases were searched electronically up to 1 November 2022. Studies reporting on the urological outcome of women undergoing Cesarean section for PAS were included. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction using a predefined protocol and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies, with disagreements resolved by consensus.The primary outcome was the overall occurrence of urological complications. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of any cystotomy, intentional cystotomy, unintentional cystotomy, ureteral damage, ureteral fistula and vesicovaginal fistula. All outcomes were explored in the overall population of women undergoing surgery for PAS. In addition, we performed subgroup analyses according to the type of surgery (Cesarean hysterectomy, or conservative surgery or management), severity of PAS at histopathology (placenta accreta/increta and placenta percreta), type of intervention (planned vs emergency) and number of cases per year. Random-effects meta-analyses of proportions were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

There were 62 studies included in the systematic review and 56 were included in the meta-analysis. Urological complications occurred in 15.2% (95% CI, 12.9-17.7%) of cases. Cystotomy complicated 13.5% (95% CI, 9.7-17.9%) of surgical operations. Intentional cystotomy was required in 7.7% (95% CI, 6.5-9.1%) of cases, while unintentional cystotomy occurred in 7.2% (95% CI, 6.0-8.5%) of cases. Urological complications occurred in 19.4% (95% CI, 16.3-22.7%) of cases undergoing hysterectomy and 12.2% (95% CI, 7.5-17.8%) of those undergoing conservative treatment. In the subgroup analyses, urological complications occurred in 9.4% (95% CI, 5.4-14.4%) of women with placenta accreta/increta and 38.5% (95% CI, 21.6-57.0%) of those described as having placenta percreta, and included mainly cystotomy (5.5% (95% CI, 0.6-15.1%) and 22.0% (95% CI, 5.4-45.5%), respectively). Urological complications occurred in 15.4% (95% CI, 8.1-24.6%) of cases undergoing a planned procedure and 24.6% (95% CI, 13.0-38.5%) of those undergoing an emergency intervention. In subanalysis of studies reporting on ≥ 12 cases per year, the incidence of urological complication was similar to that reported in the primary analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Women undergoing surgery for PAS are at high risk of urological complication, mainly cystotomy. The incidence of these complications was particularly high in women described as having placenta percreta at birth and in those undergoing emergency surgical intervention. The high heterogeneity between the included studies highlights the need for a standardized protocol for the diagnosis of PAS to identify prenatal imaging signs associated with the increased risk of urological morbidity at delivery. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Efficacy of distal haemostasis during caesarean delivery in women with placenta accreta spectrum disorders

Pregnancies complicated by the placenta praevia are associated with an increased risk of massive obstetric bleeding and high rates of hysterectomy which are often caused by the placenta accreta. The aim of our study was to identify the risk factors for placenta praevia associated with PAS disorders and the efficacy of distal haemostasis during Cesarean delivery.

METHODS

This was a cohort study carried out between 2014 and 2020 in 532 women with abnormal placental localization and attachment. The placental attachment spectrum (PAS) disorder diagnosis was confirmed during the surgery and by the histology results in 164/532 participants. Depending on the surgical approach during the Cesarean delivery, patients were divided into three groups. In Group 1 (n = 52), patients underwent bilateral uterine artery ligation. In Group 2 (n = 33), we used the combined compression haemostasis approach including the placement of tourniquets and insertion of an intrauterine balloon for controlled tamponade. In Group 3 (n = 79), we used the combination of surgical haemostasis with the controlled intrauterine tamponade using the vaginal and intrauterine Zhukovsky balloon.

RESULTS

PAS was observed in 30.8% of the placenta praevia cases, and in 93.3% was associated with the presence of a uterine scar. Women with the placenta praevia and PAS had a significantly higher number of past deliveries (р = .001). According to the FIGO classification, 53.8% of women with placenta praevia observed during the Cesarean had РА1 and 46.2% PA2. With regards to the PAS disorders observed in 30.8% of patients, 38.4% had PAS3, 34.7% PAS4, 18.3% PAS5 and 8.5% PAS6. The histology analysis showed normal placental attachment in 42.9% of the total number of study participants, placenta accreta in 28.2%, placenta increta in 16.7%, and placenta percreta in 12.2%. In Group 1, we performed the resection of uterine wall with the attached portion of the placenta in 13.5% of women, in Group 2 in 30.3% women, and in Group 3 in 50.6% women. There was a significant 4.8-fold reduction in the number of hysterectomies in Group 3 versus Group 2 (р = .043) and a 4.4-fold reduction in Group 2 versus Group 1 (р = .003). In Group 2, the volume of blood loss was 1.3-fold lower and in Group 3 1.5-fold lower than in Group 1. Conclusion: The techniques of compression distal haemostasis evaluated in this study in women with PAS are efficacious in the reduction of adverse maternal outcomes and should be used more widely in clinical practice.

Therapeutic effect of Internal iliac artery ligation and uterine artery ligation techniques for bleeding control in placenta accreta spectrum patients: A meta-analysis of 795 patients

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) can cause complications like hysterectomy or death due to massive pelvic bleeding. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of two different arterial ligation techniques in controlling postpartum haemorrhage and minimizing bleeding complications. We searched six databases. 11 studies were finally included into our review and analysis. We graded their quality using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials and the NIH tool for retrospective studies. Our analysis showed that internal iliac artery ligation has no significant effect on bleeding control (MD = -248.60 [-1045.55, 548.35] P = 0.54), while uterine artery ligation significantly reduced the amount of blood loss and preserved the uterus (MD = -260.75, 95% CI [-333.64, -187.86], P < 0.00001). Uterine artery ligation also minimized the need for blood transfusion. Bleeding was best controlled by combining both uterine artery ligation with uterine tamponade (MD = 1694.06 [1675.34, 1712.78], P < 0.00001). This combination also showed a significant decrease in hysterectomy compared to the uterine artery ligation technique alone. Bilateral uterine artery ligation in women with placenta accreta spectrum can effectively reduce the amount of bleeding and the risk of complications. The best bleeding control tested is a combination of both, uterine artery ligation and cervical tamponade. These techniques may offer an easy and applicable way to preserve fertility in PAS patients. Larger randomized trials are needed to define the best technique.

Cervical tourniquet during cesarean section to reduce bleeding in morbidly adherent placenta: a pilot study

Objective:

To evaluate a modified surgical technique aiming to reduce bleeding and preserve fertility in morbidly adherent placenta by cervical tourniquet in cesarean sections.

Methods:

The cesarean section operations and the cervical ligation approach were performed by a single expert consultant obstetrician. The general demographics and clinical characteristics for all participants were collected and studied.

Results:

Eleven participants were involved. The uterus was preserved in nine patients, whereas two patients had hysterectomy. The mean blood loss was 1688.8 ml for patients whose uterus was preserved. The mean length of stay was 5.5 days.

Conclusion:

Cervical ligation is a simple method that can be applied by junior and experienced obstetricians to preserve the uterus.

Placenta accreta is the abnormal adhesion of placenta into the uterine wall. It carries a significant risk for hysterectomy, intrapartum and postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal morbidity and mortality. As the preservation of fertility and femininity is desired by many women, numerous methods were adapted to avoid hysterectomy in patients with placenta accreta. In this study, we describe and evaluate a novel technique to preserve the uterus by ligating the cervix with a Foley catheter.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Outcomes Using Tourniquet and Forceps for Vascular Control

Objective: To evaluate the use of tourniquet and forceps to reduce bleeding during surgical treatment of severe placenta accreta spectrum (placenta increta and placenta percreta). Methods: A tourniquet was used in the lower part of the uterus during surgical treatment of severe placenta accreta spectrum. Severe placenta accreta spectrum was classified into two types according to the relative position of the placenta and tourniquet during surgery: upper-tourniquet type, in which the entire placenta was above the tourniquet, and lower-tourniquet type, in which part or all of the placenta was below the tourniquet. The surgical effects of the two types were retrospectively compared. We then added forceps to the lower-tourniquet group to achieve further bleeding reduction. Finally, the surgical effects of the two types were prospectively compared. Results: During the retrospective phase, patients in the lower-tourniquet group experienced more severe symptoms than did patients in the upper-tourniquet group, based on mean intraoperative blood loss (upper-tourniquet group 787.5 ml, lower-tourniquet group 1434.4 ml) intensive care unit admission rate (upper-tourniquet group 1.0%, lower-tourniquet group 33.3%), and length of hospital stay (upper-tourniquet group 10.2d, lower-tourniquet group 12.1d). During the prospective phase, after introduction of the revised surgical method involving forceps (in the lower-tourniquet group), the lower-tourniquet group exhibited improvements in the above indicators (intraoperative average blood loss 722.9 ml, intensive care unit admission rate 4.3%, hospital stays 9.0d). No increase in the rate of complications was observed. Conclusion: The relative positions of the placenta and tourniquet may influence the perioperative risk of severe placenta accreta spectrum. The method using a tourniquet (and forceps if necessary) can improve the surgical effect in cases of severe placenta accreta spectrum.

A multidisciplinary approach and implementation of a specialized hemorrhage control team improves outcomes for placenta accreta spectrum

INTRODUCTION

The main complication of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is massive bleeding. Endoarterial occlusion techniques have been incorporated into the management of this pathology. Our aim was to examine the endovascular practice patterns among PAS patients treated during a 9-year period in a low-middle income country in which an interdisciplinary group's technical skills were improved with the creation of a PAS team.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective cohort study including all PAS patients treated from December 2011 to November 2020 was performed. We compared the clinical results obtained according to the type of endovascular device used (group 1, internal iliac artery occlusion balloons; group 2, resuscitative endovascular balloons of the aorta; group 3, no arterial balloons due to low risk of bleeding) and according to the year in which they were attended (reflects the PAS team level of experience). A fourth group of comparisons included the woman diagnosed during a cesarean delivery and treated in a nonprotocolized way.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients were included. The amount of blood loss decreased annually, with a median of 2,500 mL in 2014 (when endovascular occlusion balloons were used in all patients) and 1,394 mL in 2020 (when only 38.5% of the patients required arterial balloons). Group 3 patients (n = 16) had the lowest bleeding volume (1,245 mL) and operative time (173 minutes) of the entire population studied. Group 2 patients (n = 46) had a bleeding volume (mean, 1,700 mL) and transfusions frequency (34.8%) slightly lower than group 1 patients (n = 30) (mean of 2,000 mL and 50%, respectively). They also had lower hysterectomy frequency (63% vs. 76.7% in group 1) and surgical time (205 minutes vs. 275 in group 1) despite a similar frequency of confirmed PAS and S2 compromise.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular techniques used for bleeding control in PAS patients are less necessary as interdisciplinary groups improve their surgical and teamwork skills.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic care management, level III.

The role of Zeb1 in the pathogenesis of morbidly adherent placenta

Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) is a promoter of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, which may serve an important role in morbidly adherent placenta (MAP). In the present study, the protein expression levels of Zeb1 were examined in the placenta tissues of 60 patients, including 20 patients with placenta accreta (PA) and 20 patients with placenta previa without PA (UPA) and 20 patients in late pregnancy that delivered by cesarean section (normal). The expression levels of Zeb1, N-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2), and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-receptor 3 (TRAIL-R3) were higher in PA tissues compared with in normal control tissues. The expression levels of E-cadherin and TRAIL-R2 were decreased in PA tissues compared with in normal control tissues. These findings indicated that Zeb1 may serve an important role in placental attachment, thus promoting the development of dangerous PA. Overexpression of Zeb1 may upregulate the expression levels of N-cadherin, VEGF, TRAIL-R3, cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, and downregulate the expression levels of E-cadherin and TRAIL-R2. In addition, Zeb1 regulated the viability, apoptosis and migration of HTR-8/SV neo cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells by regulating the Akt pathway. In conclusion, these findings indicated that Zeb1 may promote placental implantation by activating the Akt signaling pathway, thus providing a theoretical basis for investigating the causes of MAP.

The parameters affecting the success of uterus-sparing surgery in cases of placenta adhesion spectrum disorder

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the parameters affecting the treatment success of conservative surgery in cases with placental invasion anomaly.

METHODS

Archive files and digital image records of 67 patients with placental invasion anomaly were studied. The patients were divided into two groups, a conservative surgery group and a cesarean hysterectomy group. Demographic data, cervical length, placental localization, placental surface area adhering to previous cesarean section line, preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values, transfused blood products, and surgical complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

In the conservative surgery group, the cervical length was longer (p < .001) and the surface area of the placenta in the previous cesarean scar line was smaller (p < .001). For cervical length, the sensitivity and specificity values were 97 and 81%, respectively, when the cut-off value was 35.5 mm. When the cut-off value for the placental surface area in the previous cesarean scar line was 85.5 cm², the sensitivity and specificity values were 68 and 72%, respectively. In the caesarean hysterectomy group, the preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values were lower (p < .001, p = .003, respectively), and the amount of transfused erythrocyte suspension and fresh frozen plasma were higher (p < .001, p = .001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this study, it was concluded that the presence of the nondestructive intact cervical tissue, in the cases with placental invasion anomaly and/or the small size of the placental surface area adhering to the previous cesarean scar line, increase the feasibility of conservative surgery.

Resective-reconstructive treatment of abnormally invasive placenta: Inter Institutional Collaboration by telemedicine (eHealth)

Introduction: Resective-reconstructive treatment of an abnormally invasive placenta, also known as conservative surgical management, allows a comprehensive treatment of the pathology in only one surgery; however, this alternative is not generally included in international consensus, as it requires specific training. Here, we report our experience of this type of treatment and its plausibility after training facilitated by interinstitutional collaboration via telemedicine.Materials and methods: A total of 48 women who were diagnosed with abnormally invasive placenta, before and after changes due to the resection-reconstruction protocol were included in the study.Results: In total, 14 conservative reconstructive procedures were performed with outcomes of a lower rate of bleeding, reduced transfusions and complications, and a shorter duration of hospitalization than women with hysterectomy.Conclusion: Conservative surgical management is a safe alternative when implemented at specialized centers by trained groups of professionals. Interinstitutional collaboration, using appropriate telemedicine is a safe and effective alternative to enable training in resective-conservative management of abnormally invasive placenta.

External iliac artery thrombosis after hypogastric artery ligation and pelvic packing for placenta previa percreta

Placenta previa percreta is a serious pregnancy condition that may cause massive bleeding. Life-threatening hemorrhage is commonly managed via cesarean hysterectomy or vascular ligations in order to preserve fertility. We present a case of bilateral external iliac artery thrombosis after pelvic compression and uterine devascularization due to placenta previa percreta. The patient had cesarean section due to ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging-diagnosed placenta previa percreta, and stated that she preferred a conservative approach rather than hysterectomy in a case of massive bleeding. Spontaneous hemorrhage was recognized during the operation. Pelvic compression and bilateral uterine and internal iliac artery ligations were performed. The left external iliac artery was accidentally held and bonded as the left internal iliac artery, which was turned loose within a minute after distinguishing the vessels. Emergency angiography that was applied because of patient’s leg pain showed bilateral external iliac artery thrombosis. Angioplasty was performed by a cardiologist for bilateral occlusions. Placenta invasion abnormalities may be managed by pelvic compression or vascular ligations, which have their own serious complications that the surgeon must manage immediately.