A novel approach to reduce blood loss in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorder

Cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum: Surgeon specialty-specific assessment

OBJECTIVE

To assess (i) clinical and pregnancy characteristics, (ii) patterns of surgical procedures, and (iii) surgical morbidity associated with cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum based on the specialty of the attending surgeon.

METHODS

The Premier Healthcare Database was queried retrospectively to study patients with placenta accreta spectrum who underwent cesarean delivery and concurrent hysterectomy from 2016 to 2020. Surgical morbidity was assessed with propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting based on surgeon specialty for hysterectomy: general obstetrician-gynecologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and gynecologic oncologists.

RESULTS

A total of 2240 cesarean hysterectomies were studies. The most common surgeon type was general obstetrician-gynecologist (n = 1534, 68.5%), followed by gynecologic oncologist (n = 532, 23.8%) and maternal-fetal medicine specialist (n = 174, 7.8%). Patients in the gynecologic oncologist group had the highest rate of placenta increta or percreta, followed by the maternal-fetal medicine specialist and general obstetrician-gynecologist groups (43.4%, 39.6%, and 30.6%, P < .001). In a propensity score-weighted model, measured surgical morbidity was similar across the three subspecialty groups, including hemorrhage / blood transfusion (59.4-63.7%), bladder injury (18.3-24.0%), ureteral injury (2.2-4.3%), shock (8.6-10.5%), and coagulopathy (3.3-7.4%) (all, P > .05). Among the cesarean hysterectomy performed by gynecologic oncologist, hemorrhage / transfusion rates remained substantial despite additional surgical procedures: tranexamic acid / ureteral stent (60.4%), tranexamic acid / endo-arterial procedure (76.2%), ureteral stent / endo-arterial procedure (51.6%), and all three procedures (55.4%). Tranexamic acid administration with ureteral stent placement was associated with decreased bladder injury (12.8% vs 23.8-32.2%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that patient characteristics and surgical procedures related to cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum differ based on surgeon specialty. Gynecologic oncologists appear to manage more severe forms of placenta accreta spectrum. Regardless of surgeon's specialty, surgical morbidity of cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum is significant.

Placenta accreta outcomes and risk factors in a referral hospital in north of Iran: A case control study

Background

Placenta accreta syndrome (PAS) may led to heavy blood loss and maternal death. Here we analyzed the main risk factors of PAS+ pregnancies and its complications in a referral hospital in the north of Iran.

Methods

In a case control study, all pregnant women with PAS referred to our department during 2016 till 2021 were enrolled and divided in two groups case (PAS+) and control (PAS-) based on preoperative imaging, intraoperative findings, and pathological reports. The sociodemographic features and neonatal-maternal outcomes also were recorded.

Results

The most frequent reason for cesarean (C/S) was repeated C/S (62.9%, 56/89). A significant difference showed up in the time lag between previous C/S and the present delivery (p < 0.001) which shows that when the time distance is longer, the risk of PAS rises (OR: 1.01 [95% CI: 1.003-1.017]). Also, a positive history of prior abortion and elective type of previous C/S were related to PAS+ pregnancies. Our other finding showed that PAS+ pregnancies will end in lower gestational age and have a longer duration of operation and hospitalization, heavy blood transfusion, and hysterectomy. Also, PAS+ pregnancies were not related to poor neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

It seems that, in addition to repeated C/S as a strong risk factor, previous abortion is a forgotten key which leads to incomplete evacuation or damage the endometrial-myometrial layers.

Intraoperative temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion (Polat's technique) for severe placenta accreta spectrum: A description of the technique and outcomes in 61 patients

OBJECTIVE

To report the results of prophylactic use of intraoperative temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps in patients clinically diagnosed with abnormally invasive placenta.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 61 patients diagnosed with FIGO grade 3 abnormally invasive placenta between January 2018 and March 2022. After transfundal incision and fetal delivery, bilateral temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps was performed in all patients. The grades 3b and 3c group underwent cesarean hysterectomy whereas selected cases of grade 3a abnormally invasive placenta underwent fertility-preserving procedures. Preoperative and postoperative findings were compared.

RESULTS

Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 50 (82%) patients and cesarean plus conservative procedures were performed in 11 (18%) patients. Intraoperative blood replacement was not performed in 83.6% of all patients. Mean blood loss was 1.37 ± 0.53 L (range 0.5-2.5) in all patients. Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in cesarean hysterectomy group. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of peroperative blood replacement, bladder, and ureteral injury.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic bilateral temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps should be performed in cases of grade 3 abnormally invasive placenta. Fertility-preserving steps may be undertaken safely in selected cases with this approach.

Novel concepts and improvisation for treating postpartum haemorrhage: a narrative review of emerging techniques

BACKGROUND

Most treatments for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) lack evidence of effectiveness. New innovations are ubiquitous but have not been synthesized for ready access.

NARRATIVE REVIEW

Pubmed 2020 to 2021 was searched on 'postpartum haemorrhage treatment', and novel reports among 755 citations were catalogued. New health care strategies included early diagnosis with a bundled first response and home-based treatment of PPH. A calibrated postpartum blood monitoring tray has been described. Oxytocin is more effective than misoprostol; addition of misoprostol to oxytocin does not improve treatment. Heat stable carbetocin has not been assessed for treatment. A thermostable microneedle oxytocin patch has been developed. Intravenous tranexamic acid reduces mortality but deaths have been reported from inadvertent intrathecal injection. New transvaginal uterine artery clamps have been described. Novel approaches to uterine balloon tamponade include improvised and purpose-designed free-flow (as opposed to fixed volume) devices and vaginal balloon tamponade. Uterine suction tamponade methods include purpose-designed and improvised devices. Restrictive fluid resuscitation, massive transfusion protocols, fibrinogen use, early cryopreciptate transfusion and point-of-care viscoelastic haemostatic assay-guided blood product transfusion have been reported. Pelvic artery embolization and endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and pelvic arteries are used where available. External aortic compression and direct compression of the aorta during laparotomy or aortic clamping (such as with the Paily clamp) are alternatives. Transvaginal haemostatic ligation and compression sutures, placental site sutures and a variety of novel compression sutures have been reported. These include Esike's technique, three vertical compression sutures, vertical plus horizontal compression sutures, parallel loop binding compression sutures, uterine isthmus vertical compression sutures, isthmic circumferential suture, circumferential compression sutures with intrauterine balloon, King's combined uterine suture and removable retropubic uterine compression suture. Innovative measures for placenta accreta spectrum include a lower uterine folding suture, a modified cervical inversion technique, bilateral uterine artery ligation with myometrial excision of the adherent placenta and cervico-isthmic sutures or a T-shaped lower segment repair. Technological advances include cell salvage, high frequency focussed ultrasound for placenta increta and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of innovative methods can equip clinicians with last-resort options when faced with haemorrhage unresponsive to conventional methods.

Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients With Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate red blood cell use during delivery in patients with placenta accreta spectrum.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus for clinical trials and observational studies published between 2000 and 2021 in countries with developed economies.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Abstracts (n=4,275) and full-text studies (n=599) were identified and reviewed by two independent reviewers. Data on transfused red blood cells were included from studies reporting means and SDs, medians with interquartile ranges, or individual patient data. The primary outcome was the weighted mean number of units of red blood cells transfused per patient. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed with an I2 statistic. Secondary analyses included red blood cell usage by placenta accreta subtype.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Of the 599 full-text studies identified, 20 met criteria for inclusion in the systematic review, comprising 1,091 cases of placenta accreta spectrum. The number of units of red blood cells transfused was inconsistently described across studies, with five studies (25.0%) reporting means, 11 (55.0%) reporting medians, and four (20.0%) reporting individual patient data. The weighted mean number of units transfused was 5.19 (95% CI 4.12-6.26) per patient. Heterogeneity was high across studies (I2=91%). In a sensitivity analysis of five studies reporting mean data, the mean number of units transfused was 6.61 (95% CI 4.73-8.48; n=220 patients). Further quantification of units transfused by placenta accreta subtype was limited due to methodologic inconsistencies between studies and small cohort sizes.

CONCLUSION

Based on the upper limit of the CI in our main analysis and the high study heterogeneity, we recommend that a minimum of 6 units of red blood cells be available before delivery for patients with placenta accreta spectrum. These findings may inform future guidelines for predelivery blood ordering and transfusion support.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42021240993.

Placenta accreta spectrum: a non-oncologic challenge for gynecologic oncologists

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders are a major risk factor for severe postpartum hemorrhage and maternal death worldwide, with a rapidly growing incidence in recent decades due to increasing rates of cesarean section. Placenta accreta spectrum disorders represent a complex surgical challenge, with the primary concern of massive obstetrical hemorrhagic sequelae and organ damage, occurring in the context of potentially significant anatomical and physiological changes of pregnancy. Most international obstetrical organizations have published guidelines on placenta accreta spectrum, embracing the creation of regionalized 'Centers of Excellence' in the diagnosis and management of placenta accreta spectrum, which includes a dedicated multidisciplinary surgical team. One mandatory criterion for these Centers of Excellence is the presence of a surgeon experienced in complex pelvic surgeries. Indeed, many institutions in the United States and worldwide rely on gynecologic oncologists in the surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum due to their experience and skills in complex pelvic surgery. Surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum frequently includes challenging pelvic dissection in regions with distortion of anatomy alongside large aberrant neovascularization. With a goal of definitive management through cesarean hysterectomy, surgeons require a systematic and thoughtful approach to promote prevention of urologic injuries, embrace measures to secure challenging hemostasis and, in selected cases, employ conservative management where indicated or desired. In this review recommendations are made for gynecologic oncologists regarding the management and important considerations in the successful care of placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Where required, gynecologic oncologists are encouraged to be proactively involved in the management of placenta accreta spectrum, not only intra-operatively, but also in the development of clinical protocols, guidelines, and pre-operative counseling of patients, as a 'call if needed' approach is suboptimal for this potentially major and life-threatening condition.

Oculocardiac Reflex During ROP Exams

Purpose

Reducing physiologic stress including bradycardia during staging eye exams for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is desirable. We observed heart rate change during routine retinopathy of prematurity eye examinations and compared the response with our ongoing study of oculocardiac reflex (OCR) elicited by uniform EOM tension during strabismus surgery.

Patients and Methods

Electrocardiograph was prospectively monitored during ROP exams featuring indirect ophthalmoscopy with Alfonso lid speculum and see-through scleral depressor without topical anesthesia. Clinical data were retrieved from ROP-Check software. OCR was defined as maximally changed heart rate (HR) as a percent of baseline. Strabismus surgery patients under general anesthesia served as controls.

Results

From 10/2017 to 9/2020, 281 infants had ROP exams, and the median OCR was 55.9% of baseline HR (IQR 41.4% to 72.6%), the kurtosis 0.93 and skewness 1.01 representing a drop from HR 169 ± 16 bpm to 102 ± 39 bpm. In comparison, 1493 adult and pediatric strabismus surgery patients had less OCR median bradycardia 87.8% (IQR 72–98%), kurtosis 1.60 and skewness −1.18. ROP %OCR correlated with birth gestational age (%OCR = 2.5 (GA) – 11, r(279)=0.33, p<0.01) and with birthweight (%OCR = 0.02 (BW) + 38, r(279) =0.35, p<0.01). The duration of bradycardia induced by ROP exam averaged 92 ± 34 seconds (range 34–240 seconds).

Conclusion

Bradycardia is common during eye exams in the smallest premature infants with greater degree, more rapid onset and longer duration than OCR during strabismus surgery.

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Surgical advances in the management of placenta accreta spectrum: establishing new expectations for operative blood loss

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the implementation of our surgical approach, referred to in the text as Linear Cutter Vessel Sealing System (LCVSS) technique, will improve perioperative outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), specifically by reducing blood loss and blood transfusion rates at the time of cesarean hysterectomy (C-HYST). The LCVSS technique integrates the following: (1) hysterotomy performed using the Linear Cutter, (2) no placental manipulation, (3) cauterization of anatomically prominent vascular anastomosis using the handheld vessel sealing system, and (4) completion of bladder dissection until the cervico-vaginal junction before ligation and division of uterine arteries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study that analyzed perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing C-HYST for PAS at a tertiary care center from 1 July 2014 to 1 December 2019. Comparisons were performed between cases managed with the use of the LCVSS technique (designated as LCVSS cohort) and those managed without the use of the LCVSS technique (designated as no technique cohort). The primary outcomes were cumulative blood loss (CBL) and total perioperative blood transfusion of ≥4 and ≥6 units of PRBCs. The secondary outcomes were intra- and postoperative complications. Continuous and categorical variables were compared according to the sample size and distribution. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to predict confounders for blood transfusion of ≥4 units of PRBCs.

RESULTS

A total of 69 prenatally diagnosed PAS cases underwent C-HYST at the time of delivery. Forty-four cases that were performed using the LCVSS technique comprised the LCVSS cohort. The remaining 25 were marked as no technique cohort. CBL was significantly lower in the LCVSS cohort (1124 ml [300-4100] vs 3500 ml [650-10600]; p < .001). The rate of urinary tract injuries was similar (16%). The rate of postoperative complications and reoperation for intra-abdominal bleeding were lower but not significantly different in LCVSS cohort (9 vs 20% and 0 vs 8%, p = .26 and p = .12, respectively). There were no differences in neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of this advanced surgical approach for PAS management resulted in reduced blood loss and blood transfusion rates in comparison with no technique cohort.

A practical FIST maneuver to minimize the bleeding during cesarean hysterectomy for placenta percreta: a retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

Placenta percreta (PP) is a life-threatening condition and its surgery poses a very high potential for bleeding. The recommended treatment is a cesarean hysterectomy. There are several techniques reported in the literature to reduce the bleeding during percreta operations.

OBJECTIVE

To show and describe a practical and novel intraoperative maneuver to minimize the hemorrhage during cesarean hysterectomy for PP.

METHODS

The patients who were diagnosed with PP and underwent cesarean hysterectomy (CH) in our unit between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. These patients were divided into two groups. Group A included patients who underwent hysterectomy with intraoperative FIST maneuver. Group B included patients with ordinary cesarean hysterectomy. The groups were compared with regards to the intraoperative bleeding, surgical complications, and perioperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients who had a cesarean hysterectomy and diagnosed with PP during the study period were included in this retrospective cohort. 22 patients underwent intraoperative FIST maneuver with CH as Group A and 50 patients underwent ordinary CH as Group B. The demographic variables including maternal age, gravida, number of previous cesarean sections, and body-mass index were not statistically different between the two groups. Intraoperative FIST maneuver was significantly associated with reduced operative hemorrhage, the need for transfusion of erythrocyte suspension, admission to intensive care unit, and hospitalization days (p < .005). The operative time was statistically significantly shorter in Group A than Group B, respectively (90 ± 18.6 vs 120 ± 20.5 min) (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

FIST maneuver is a very practical, easy to apply, and effective method that reduces the obstetrical bleeding during cesarean hysterectomy in placenta percreta cases.

The efficacy of LigaSure™ open instruments in cases of cesarean hysterectomy due to placenta percreta: a retrospective, record-based, comparative study

OBJECTIVE

The standard treatment for patients with placenta percreta is cesarean hysterectomy that can cause severe bleeding. New-generation vessel sealing systems like LigaSure can cut and seal vascular structures and tissues. The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare hysterectomies performed with traditional instruments and those performed with LigaSure instruments to determine the possible advantages with the latter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with placenta percreta who underwent elective cesarean hysterectomy by the same surgeon were divided into two groups based on the type of instruments used. Group 1, the standard conventional hysterectomy group, operated with conventional instruments for cutting and tying; and Group 2, the LigaSure hysterectomy group, operated with the new-generation bipolar sealing and cutting instruments. The groups were retrospectively compared for bleeding, operating time, and complications.

RESULTS

In Group 2, the operating time, intraoperative and total transfused erythrocyte suspension units, total fluid in the drain, and total hospital stay were lower than in Group 1 (p < .05), as was the need for internal iliac artery ligation (p = .013). The complication rates were similar between the two groups (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

The use of LigaSure open instruments in cesarean hysterectomies in patients with placenta percreta may reduce operating times and the amount of bleeding.