The anaesthetic management of caesarean section in the interventional radiology suite

Interventional radiology for the obstetric patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the recent results of the use of interventional radiology modalities treating postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

RECENT FINDINGS

PPH still is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. An important risk factor for the development of PPH is the placenta accreta spectrum. In patients with placenta accreta, we can use prophylactic balloon occlusion of the common or internal iliac artery or abdominal aorta to prevent PPH. Balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta seems to ensure better results than balloon occlusion of the iliac artery in terms of blood loss, transfusion rate and hysterectomy rate reduction with a minimal risk of complications. To treat PPH uterine artery embolization can be effective and potentially fertility-sparing, while having a low complication rate.

SUMMARY

The use of aortic balloon occlusion catheters for the prevention of PPH and uterine artery embolization for the treatment of PPH are well tolerated and feasible options for patients with placenta accreta spectrum.

The parturient in the interventional radiology suite: New frontier in obstetric anaesthesia

The anaesthesiologist's presence during interventional radiology (IR) is increasing due to increasingly ill patients and intricate procedures. The management of a parturient in IR suite is complex in terms of logistics of an unfamiliar procedure in an unfamiliar area. The literature available is largely written by radiologists with little attention paid to anaesthetic details and considerations. In the Indian scenario, in the absence of hybrid operating rooms (ORs), logistics involve transport of a parturient back and forth between the IR suite and the OR. As members of a multidisciplinary team, anaesthesiologists should utilise their expertise in fluid management, transfusion therapy and critical care to prevent and treat catastrophic events that may accompany severe peri-partum bleeding. Ensuring familiarity with the variety of IR procedures and the peri-procedure requirements can help the anaesthesiologist provide optimum care in the IR suite.

Prophylactic abdominal aorta balloon occlusion during caesarean section: a retrospective case series

BACKGROUND

The management of patients with morbidly adherent placenta has been described using vascular balloon catheters placed in the iliac arteries, but rarely in the aorta. This case series presents our experience with prophylactic lower abdominal aorta balloon occlusion in 45 women.

METHODS

The records of patients in our centre who underwent caesarean section between May 2013 and June 2014 were retrospectively analysed for the use of prophylactic lower abdominal aorta balloon occlusion.

RESULTS

Forty-five cases were identified. All patients had a morbidly adherent placenta, including placenta accreta (n=22), placenta increta (n=20) and placenta percreta (n=3). A subtotal hysterectomy was performed in four cases. Eleven of the 45 patients received red blood cell transfusion of a mean of 1.7 units. Mean preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin concentrations were 10.1g/dL and 9.4g/dL, respectively. Mean estimated blood loss was 835mL [range 200-6000mL]. The incidence of complications was 4.4% (2/45), including one case of lower extremity arterial thrombosis and one case of ischaemic injury to the femoral nerve. Follow up at one year was completed in 22 patients at which time all babies were well.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic lower abdominal aorta balloon occlusion has the potential to reduce intraoperative blood loss, transfusion and hysterectomy rate in patients with morbidly adherent placenta undergoing caesarean section. Careful patient selection is critical as the technique may be associated with potentially serious complications.

[Iliac artery occlusion balloons for suspected placenta accreta during cesarean section]

Massive obstetric hemorrhage still remains a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. The risk factors associated with this pathology must be identified in order to schedule the appropriate delivery with the necessary resources. A case is presented of an iliac artery occlusion with intravascular balloons for suspected placenta accreta during cesarean section. The perioperative treatment, as well as an analysis of the treatment options is described, along with their advantages and disadvantages, from the use of postpartum hemorrhage protocols, blood transfusion and procoagulant factors, and other maneuvers to control bleeding, until the hysterectomy.