Objectives: To identify risk factors and complications associated with 3rd stage of labor removal of placental fragments (3rd SRPF) by manual uterine revision under a strict protocol.
Study design: Ten years retrospective register-based cohort study of vaginal deliveries. Women with 3rd SRPF n = 3297 (exposed) and those without n = 97,888 (non exposed) were compared.
Main outcomes measures: (1) risk factors for 3rd SRPF aOR (95%CI) (2) early (2a) and late (2b) maternal complications.
Results: (1) Risk factors for 3rd SRPF procedure were assisted reproductive technologies 2.20 (1.73-2.34), preterm delivery 2.53 (2.21-2.88), preeclampsia 1.66 (1.25-2.21) Multiple previous early pregnancy loss (>3) 1.40(1.19-1.66), VBAC 1.26(1.13-1.47) and epidural analgesia 1.56 (1.46-1.69). (2a) Early complications: puerperal fever 1.1% vs 0.3%, blood transfusion 9.0% vs. 0.5%, prolonged maternal hospitalization 21.0% vs. 11.4%, all P < 0.0001. Puerperal readmission was 0.819% in the 3rd SRPF vs. 0.315% the control group, P < 0.0001. (2b) Late complications: retained placenta and hysteroscopy / D&C rates were significantly higher among the 3rd SRPF vs. controls: 40.7% vs. 7.1%, 14.8% vs. 3.6% and 48.1% vs. 18.2%, respectively, all P < 0.0001.
Conclusion: Uterine revision for 3rd SPRF is associated with significant early and late maternal morbidity; should be considered discriminative of a population at risk and postpartum health care planning, beyond being a therapeutic intervention.
Keywords: 3(rd) Stage of labor; Retained placenta; Revision of uterine cavity.
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