Planned conservative management of placenta percreta

Placenta accreta spectrum conservative management and coagulopathy: case series and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) with the placenta kept in situ aims to preserve fertility and minimize blood loss. However, this method is associated with a risk of coagulopathy and subsequent bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and pathophysiology of coagulopathy in cases of PAS managed conservatively.

METHODS

We reviewed our database for cases of PAS in which the placenta was kept in situ. In addition, we performed a systematic review of articles on PAS in which the placenta was left in situ and was complicated by coagulopathy. PubMed was searched for publications between 1980 and 2023. Our eligibility criteria included studies in which no additional interventions were performed other than keeping the placenta entirely in situ, and in which coagulopathy was reported.

RESULTS

After screening and selection of full-text articles, 10 studies were included in the review. A review of our databases yielded a case series of PAS managed conservatively with the placenta kept in situ. When adding our case series to the results of our systematic review, a total of 87 cases were found to have been managed conservatively, with 28 cases of coagulopathy. Of these, the time at which coagulopathy developed was known in 11 cases. The median time at development of coagulopathy was 58 (interquartile range, 50-67) days postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that conservative management of PAS with the placenta in situ poses a risk of coagulopathy. Keeping the placenta in situ after delivery prolongs the risk factors that are integral to PAS. The pathophysiology behind coagulopathy is comparable with that of concealed placental abruption, due to the disrupted uteroplacental interface and the collection of blood in the placenta. Therefore, the presence of large placental lakes could be an indicator of developing coagulopathy. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Uterine rupture with massive hemoperitoneum due to placenta percreta in a second trimester: A case report

Introduction

Uterine rupture due to placenta percreta is very rare. It often occurs in patients with a history of Cesarean section.

Quick diagnosis, management and intervention improves survival rate and decreases maternal and foetal morbidity.

Observation

Patient, 36 years old, mother of three children delivered by cesarean section, admitted for acute abdominal pain in the context of a poorly monitored pregnancy estimated at 25 weeks of amenorrhea.

Pelvic ultrasound showed a large peritoneal effusion with the presence of an evolving intrauterine pregnancy with cardiac activity present, the placenta was with anterior coverage.

An emergency laparotomy revealed uterine rupture with active hemorrhage localized on the anterior uterine scar with placental protrusion was noted. A cesarean section was quickly performed to save the fetus. The placenta was left in place and a difficult hysterectomy was then undertaken.

Discussion

Uterine rupture in second trimester caused by placental percreta is a rare event that can be life threatening for both mother and fetus.

Placenta percreta should be considered when diagnosing internal bleeding in a patient during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Placenta percreta is a rare but severe obstetric complication that is potentially life threatening for both the mother and fetus.

It is important to maintain a high level of clinical suspicion for this disease in pregnant women with acute abdomen, especially those with specific risk factors.

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Uterine rupture in second trimester caused by placental percreta is a rare event that can be life threatening for both mother and fetus.

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The clinical presentation of this complication ranges from mild abdominal pain to hemorrhagic shock.

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Quick diagnosis, management and intervention improves survival rate and decreases maternal and foetal morbidity.

Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver (IBS ® ) successful placental remnants removal, after caesarean section for a cervical pregnancy with placenta accreta

Placenta accreta located in a caesarean section scar is difficult to remove. The Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver (IBS®) has already been proven to be effective in placental remnant removal. Our case report highlights that the IBS® is also a safe method to remove placental remnants attached to a previous caesarean section scar performed for a cervical pregnancy and associated with placenta accreta.

Clinical analysis of second-trimester pregnancy termination after previous caesarean delivery in 51 patients with placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum: a retrospective study

BACKGROUNDS

Pregnancy termination during the second trimester in patients with placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a complex and challenging clinical problem. Based on our literature review, there has been a relative increase in the number of such cases being treated by hysterotomy and/or local uterine lesion resection and repair. In the present study, a retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes when different management strategies were used to terminate pregnancy in the patients with placenta previa and PAS.

METHODS

A total of 51 patients who underwent pregnancy termination in the second trimester in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between June 2013 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All patients having previous caesarean delivery (CD) were diagnosed with placenta previa status and PAS.

RESULTS

① Among the 51 patients, 16 cases received mifepristone and misoprostol medical termination, 15 cases received mifepristone and Rivanol medical termination, but 1 of them was transferred to hysterotomy due to failed labor induction, another 20 cases were performed planned hysterotomy. There was no placenta percreta cases and uterine artery embolization (UAE) was all performed before surgery.② There were 31 cases who underwent medical termination and 30 cases were vaginal delivery. Dilation and evacuation (D&E) were used in 20 cases of medical abortion failure and in all 30 cases of difficult manual removal of placental tissue. ③ A statistically significant difference was found among the three different strategies in terms of gestational weeks, the type of placenta previa status, main operative success rate and β-HCG regression time (P < 0.05). ④ There were 4(7.8%) cases who were taken up for hysterectomy because of life-threatening bleeding or severe bacteremia during or after delivery and hysterotomy. The uterus was preserved with the implanted placenta partly or completely left in situ in 47(92.2%) cases. Combined medical and/or surgical management were used for the residual placenta and the time of menstrual recovery was 52(range: 33 to 86) days after pregnancy termination.

CONCLUSIONS

Terminating a pregnancy by vaginal delivery through medical induction of labor may be feasible if clinicians have an overall understanding of gestational age, the type of placenta previa status, the type of placenta accreta, and patients concerns about preserving fertility. A collaborative team effort in tertiary medical centers with a very experience MDT and combined application of multiple methods is required to optimize patient outcomes.

Spontaneous uterine rupture at a non-cesarean section scar site caused by placenta percreta in the early second trimester of gestation: A case report

OBJECTIVES

Risk factors for placenta percreta are placenta previa and prior cesarean delivery. Placenta percreta-induced ruptures at non-cesarean sites are very rare, particularly in the early second trimester.

CASE REPORT

A 30-year-old woman with a prior cesarean delivery was brought to our emergency department at 17 weeks' gestation for sudden-onset consciousness loss and generalized convulsions. Hypovolemic shock was identified. Computed tomography scans suggested uterine rupture and massive ascites, r/o hemoperitoneum. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed a ruptured hole over the left uterine fundus with protruding placental tissue; placenta percreta was impressed. An intact intrauterine sac was dissected and removed. The placenta was removed and hysterorrhaphy was completed.

CONCLUSION

Placenta percreta is dangerous and is rarely seen in the early second trimester. Uterine rupture should always be kept in mind in pregnant woman with acute abdomen associated with hypovolemic shock, even in those of early pregnancy without scarred uterus. Routine sonographic examination of placentation, even in early second trimester, should be emphasized.

Conservative management of abnormally invasive placenta complicated by local hyperfibrinolysis and beginning disseminated intravascular coagulation

Introduction

Abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) is often associated with high maternal morbidity. In surgical treatment, caesarean hysterectomy or partial uterine resection may lead to high perioperative maternal blood loss. A conservative treatment by leaving the placenta in utero after caesarean delivery of the baby is an option to preserve fertility and to reduce peripartum hysterectomy-related morbidity. Nevertheless, due to increased placental coagulation activity as well as consumption of clotting factors, a disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)-like state with secondary late postpartum bleeding can occur.

Purpose

Systematic review after the presentation of a case of conservative management of placenta percreta with secondary partial uterine wall resection due to vaginal bleeding, complicated by local hyperfibrinolysis and consecutive systemic decrease in fibrinogen levels.

Methods

Systematic PubMed database search was done until August 2019 without any restriction of publication date or journal

Results

Among 58 publications, a total of 11 reported on DIC-like symptoms in the conservative management of AIP, in the median on day 59 postpartum. In most cases, emergency hysterectomy was performed, which led to an almost immediate normalization of coagulation status but was accompanied with high maternal blood loss. In two cases, fertility-preserving conservative management could be continued after successful medical therapy.

Conclusion

Based on these results, we suggest routinely monitoring of the coagulation parameters next to signs of infection in the postpartum check-ups during conservative management of AIP. Postpartum tranexamic acid oral dosage should be discussed when fibrinogen levels are decreasing and D-Dimers are increasing.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00404-020-05721-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Preoperative Prophylactic Balloon-Assisted Occlusion of the Internal Iliac Arteries in the Management of Placenta Increta/Percreta

Background and Objectives: Preoperative prophylactic balloon-assisted occlusion (PBAO) of the internal iliac arteries minimizes blood loss and facilitates surgery performance, through reductions in the rate of uterine perfusion, which allow for better control in hysterectomy performance, with decreased rates of bleeding and surgical complications. We aimed to investigate the maternal and fetal outcomes associated with PBAO use in women with placenta increta or percreta. Material and Methods: The records of 42 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of placenta increta or percreta were retrospectively reviewed. Of 42 patients, 17 patients (40.5%) with placenta increta or percreta underwent cesarean delivery after prophylactic balloon catheter placement in the bilateral internal iliac artery (balloon group). The blood loss volume, transfusion volume, postoperative hemoglobin changes, rates of hysterectomy and hospitalization, and infant Apgar score in this group were compared to those of 25 similar women who underwent cesarean delivery without balloon placement (surgical group). Results: The mean intraoperative blood loss volume in the balloon group (2319 ± 1191 mL, range 1000–4500 mL) was significantly lower than that in the surgical group (4435 ± 1376 mL, range 1500–10,500 mL) (p = 0.037). The mean blood unit volume transfused in the balloon group (2060 ± 1154 mL, range 1200–8000 mL) was significantly lower than that in the surgical group (3840 ± 1464 mL, range 1800–15,200 mL) (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference in the postoperative hemoglobin change, hysterectomy rates, length of hospitalization, or infant Apgar score between the groups. Conclusion: PBAO of the internal iliac artery prior to cesarean delivery in patients with placenta increta or percreta is a safe and minimally invasive technique that reduces the rate of intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements.

Parallel transverse uterine incisions, a novel approach for managing heavy hemorrhage and preserving the uterus: A retrospective cohort study for patients with anterior placenta previa and accreta

Placenta previa and accreta with prior cesarean section is an extremely serious condition that is associated with maternal morbidity and mortality from obstetric hemorrhage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and advantages of a novel surgical technique, parallel transverse uterine incisions (PTUI), during conservative cesarean delivery in patients with placenta previa and accreta.This was a retrospective cohort study including 124 pregnant women, who had at least 1 prior cesarean section and were diagnosed with anterior placenta previa and accreta between January 2014 and October 2017. Using the hospital's information system, patients were retrospectively classified into undergoing either the PTUI surgery (Group A) or the ordinary cesarean section (Group B). Surgical outcomes and maternal complications during hospitalization were collected. The results from 2 groups were compared and analyzed statistically. Multivariable regression analyses were further used to assess the effect of PTUI on severe maternal outcomes.Patients who underwent PTUI were not statistically different from patients who underwent the ordinary cesarean section in terms of maternal and infants' characteristics. However, PTUI was associated with remarkably reduced intraoperative blood loss (P = .005), related vaginal blood loss after surgery (P = .026), and transfusion requirement of packed red cells (P = .000), compared to the ordinary cesarean section. Moreover, cesarean hysterectomy (3.3% vs 21.9%; P = .002) and intensive care unit admission (1.7% vs 29.7%; P = .000) were significantly fewer among patients who underwent PTUI. Multivariable regression analyses further showed that the risk of intraoperative hemorrhage (β = -2343.299, P = .000) and cesarean hysterectomy (odds ratio = 0.027, P = .018) were both significantly decreased by PTUI.PTUI is a novel approach that may significantly reduce maternal complications, while preserving the uterus for patients with anterior placenta previa and accreta.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) disorders: incidence, risk factors and outcomes of different management strategies in a tertiary referral hospital in Minia, Egypt: a prospective study

Background

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders have become a significant life-threatening issue due to its increased incidence, morbidity and mortality. Several studies have tried to identify the risk factors for PAS disorders. The ideal management for PAS disorders is a matter of debate. The study objectives were to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of PAS disorders and to compare different management strategies at a tertiary referral hospital, Minia, Egypt.

Methods

This prospective study included 102 women diagnosed with PAS disorders admitted to Minia Maternity university hospital, Egypt between January 2017 to August 2018. These cases were categorized into three groups according to the used approach for management: Group (A), (n = 38) underwent cesarean hysterectomy, group (B), (n = 48) underwent cesarean section (CS) with cervical inversion and ligation of both uterine arteries and group (C), (n = 16): the placenta was left in place.

Results

The incidence of PAS disorders during the study period was 9 / 1000 maternities (0.91%). The mean age of cases was 32.4 ± 4.2 years, 60% of them had a parity ≥3 and 82% of them had ≥2 previous CSs. Also, 1/3 of them had previous history of placenta previa. Estimated blood loss (EBL) and blood transfusion in group A were significantly higher than other groups. Group (C) had higher mean hospital stay duration. Group A was associated with significantly higher complication rate.

Conclusions

The incidence of PAS disorders was 0.91%. Maternal age > 32 years, previous C.S. (≥ 2), multiparity (≥ 3) and previous history of placenta previa were risk factors. The management of PAS disorders should be individualized. Women with PAS disorders who completed their family should be offered cesarean hysterectomy. Using the cervix as a tamponade combined with bilateral uterine artery ligation appears to be a safe alternative to hysterectomy in patients with focal placenta accreta and low parity desiring future fertility. Patients with diffuse placenta accreta keen to preserve the uterus could be offered the option of leaving the placenta aiming at conservative management after proper counseling.

Trial registration

Registered 28th October 2015, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02590484.

Interval Hysterectomy for Placenta Percreta - a Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Placenta percreta is an abnormality of placentation where it invades the serosa and can go beyond it. Complications include massive hemorrhage, bladder dysfunction, and severe infections during delivery. The aim of this study is to report a complex case of placenta percreta managed by interval hysterectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

Pre-operative: 34 years old patient with previous three cesarean sections was followed in antenatal clinic. She came with repeated bouts of vaginal bleeding at 30-31 weeks. At 32 weeks and 4 days classical cesarean section was done with placenta left in situ. Prophylactic bilateral internal iliac artery balloon was inserted. Post cesarean section, uterine artery embolization was performed. Post-operative: Clinical features of pulmonary embolism (PE) developed about 4 hours later. Post-Operative Day 13: Total abdominal hysterectomy was done. After few days of discharge, the patient presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath. She was consequently diagnosed with chronic pulmonary embolism and treated with warfarin.

CONCLUSION

This is a case of placenta percreta managed by interval hysterectomy. However, the most widely accepted method of management is cesarean hysterectomy. In this case, interval hysterectomy was done due to the possibility of bladder invasion by placenta, to decrease the amount of blood loss and to reduce the number of days stayed in hospital. Appropriate management for the patient must be personalized, whether it is by cesarean hysterectomy or interval hysterectomy, as each has risks and benefits.

Creating a Multidisciplinary Placenta Accreta Program

OBJECTIVE

To develop a formalized comprehensive placenta accreta (PA) program to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with a PA birth.

DESIGN

To develop a clinically innovative PA program, goals were identified and teams were created to collaboratively address best practices in each phase of clinical patient care, along with the financial and marketing aspects necessary for a sustainable program.

SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM

A Level 3 perinatal center in the Southwestern United States.

IMPLEMENTATION

A diverse multidisciplinary team addressed each aspect of care associated with a PA birth, including team members from the main operating room; trauma surgery; blood bank; interventional radiology unit; NICU; and gynecology-oncology, anesthesia, and urology departments.

MEASUREMENTS

Pre- and postprogram clinical outcome measures were examined including estimated blood loss at birth, postbirth ICU transfers and length of stay, and postpartum length of stay.

RESULTS

Clinical outcomes after program implementation showed decreased blood loss at birth (from an estimated 6,350 ml to 1,300-1,400 ml), reduced postbirth ICU length of stay (from approximately 3 days to less than 1 day, with many women bypassing ICU transfer altogether), and shortened postpartum length of stay (from 8 days to 4 days).

CONCLUSION

With implementation of this PA program, women receive a proactive approach to care that includes education, holistic care, and an organized team approach to birth made possible by the innovative care delivery model, structures, and processes. Standardized checklists and workflows help each clinician understand his or her role in the process, and resources are directed effectively and efficiently. Multidisciplinary, multispecialty collaboration results in decreased variation in care with associated improved patient outcomes.

Successful anticoagulant therapy for disseminated intravascular coagulation during conservative management of placenta percreta: a case report and literature review

Background

Placenta percreta is a rare obstetric condition associated with the risk of massive intraoperative hemorrhage. Recently, conservative management of placenta percreta has been performed to reduce maternal morbidity. However, various complications have been reported during such management. Only a few cases of asymptomatic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or fever without infection have been reported. Here, we discuss such a case and review the related literature to understand this rare condition better. For this, we performed an electronic literature review.

Case presentation

We present the clinical course, results of blood tests, and serial magnetic resonance images of a 35-year-old female (gravida 5, para 2) with placenta percreta complicated by placenta previa that was managed conservatively. The patient successfully delivered a healthy baby by a cesarean delivery via a transverse uterine fundal incision at 36 weeks of gestation. We did not observe intraoperative complications during cesarean delivery, and the postoperative course remained uncomplicated until 47 days after the delivery. However, asymptomatic DIC developed after 47 days, and her serum fibrinogen level declined to 42 mg/dL, which was successfully treated with anticoagulant therapy by a therapeutic dose of intravenous heparin for 22 days (postoperative days 48–69). Although DIC resolved, subsequent fever persisted for approximately 1 month (postoperative days 67–103). Infection was ruled out, and conservative management was successfully continued.

Literature review revealed that successful conservative management of a patient with asymptomatic DIC and subsequent fever without infection is extremely rare.

Conclusions

Some patients with DIC and fever can continue conservative management of placenta percreta, although careful examination and monitoring are needed.

The effectiveness of double incision technique in uterus preserving surgery for placenta percreta

BACKGROUND

Placenta percreta is a life-threatening condition that places patients at risk of massive bleeding. It necessitates very complicated surgery and can result in mortality. Caesarean hysterectomy is the accepted procedure worldwide; however, recent studies discussing conservative treatment with segmental resections have been published. Foetal extraction and segmental resection can be performed through the same incision (single uterine incision) or through two different incisions (double uterine incision). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and results of the double incision technique.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with a diagnosis of placenta percreta who underwent conservative surgery were included. Segmental resection was performed via single incision in ten patients and double incision in twelve patients.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the patients who underwent segmental resection via single and double incision in terms of age, gravida, number of previous caesarean deliveries, gestational age at delivery, or rate of elective surgeries. The operation time, transfusion requirement, intensive care unit admission, total hospitalization and success of conservative surgery were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the outcomes of our study, double uterine incision allows for the safe extraction of the foetus during uterus-preserving surgery in patients with placenta percreta without worsening the results compared to single uterine incision.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02702024 , Date of registration: February 26, 2016, retrospectively registered.

Placenta percreta managed by transverse uterine fundal incision with retrograde cesarean hysterectomy: a novel surgical approach

Key Clinical Message

Placenta percreta (with bladder invasion) is a rare obstetric condition with the risk of massive intraoperative hemorrhage. In these cases, the combination of a transverse uterine fundal incision and retrograde cesarean hysterectomy could be useful to minimize maternal hemorrhage and avoid severe bladder injury.

Uterine Rupture with Massive Late Postpartum Hemorrhage due to Placenta Percreta Left Partially In Situ

Placental adhesive disorders involve the growth of placental tissue into or through the uterine wall. Among these disorders, placenta percreta is the rarest one. However, it may cause significant complications. This report aimed to report a neglected patient with placenta percreta who developed uterine rupture with life-threatening late postpartum intra-abdominal hemorrhage. On admission, the patient had acute abdomen with moderate abdominal distention and was subjected to emergency laparotomy. A full-thickness defect of the anterior uterine wall involving the hysterotomy site was seen. Placental tissues occupied both sides of the incision and posterior bladder wall was also invaded by placenta. Total abdominal hysterectomy with partial resection of the posterior bladder wall was performed.

Maternal outcome after conservative management of placenta percreta at caesarean section: a report of three cases and a review of the literature

Retaining the placenta in situ at caesarean section for placenta percreta and awaiting placental reabsorption is widely practiced; however, there is limited evidence on the efficacy and complications of this strategy. We present three cases of placenta percreta managed conservatively and note that all three women experienced significant complications. A review of the literature showed that despite initial conservative management, 40% of women subsequently require emergency hysterectomy and 42% will experience major morbidity.

Planned conservative management of placenta accreta - experience of a regional general hospital

OBJECTIVE

There are only a few series treating ≥10 cases of accreta conservatively, all from university teaching hospitals, with reported success rate of 60-85%. We reported the first series of accreta managed by planned uterine conservation in the setting of non-university district general hospital.

METHODS

Women with placenta previa overlying previous cesarean scar who desired uterine conservation were included. For cases with accreta confirmed during cesarean delivery, placenta was purposefully left behind, followed immediately by uterine artery embolization. Cases were followed in our special postnatal clinic. Charts were reviewed to retrieve clinical details.

RESULTS

Among 15 cases of placenta previa overlying cesarean scar opting for conservative management, 12 (80%) were confirmed to be accreta intra-operatively. They had 20-100% of the adherent placentae retained (median 90%) and their uterus preserved. Postpartum, abnormal vaginal bleeding and/or infection led to unscheduled readmission in 67% (8/12), all managed conservatively. Sonographic resolution of placenta took 2-13 months (median 6.6), and was later than menstrual return in 11 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful planned conservative management of placenta accreta is feasible in the setting of district general hospital with facilities for interventional radiology.