"The Killer Placenta" - a threat to the lives of young women giving birth by cesarean section

Ginekol Pol. 2022;93(4):314-320. doi: 10.5603/GP.a2021.0235. Epub 2022 Feb 14.

Abstract

Objectives: It is necessary to create a universal algorithm for the management of placenta accreta spectrum in order to minimize morbidity and mortality in young patients giving birth by caesarean section.

Material and methods: This was a retrospective study of seven women before the age of 30 selected out of larger group of 40 pregnant patients. The patients were hospitalized in the Clinical Department of Perinatology, Gynecology and Obstetrics in Ruda Śląska, which is a 3rd level reference department. The inclusion criterion was the suspicion of placent accreta spectrum, based on clinical condition, ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results: A patient with a diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum should be provided with a highly specialized 3rd level referential center by an experienced multidisciplinary team of specialists. There should be free access to the blood bank, adult intensive care unit and neonatal intensive care unit. According to the results of this study, the recommended time of cesarean section is 34 + 0 - 36 + 6 weeks of pregnancy. Hysterectomy after the cesarean section is a method of choice for a placenta increta or percreta. It is the most difficult surgery in obstetrics, with a high risk of intraoperative complications. Damage to the urinary system is the most common complication of perinatal hysterectomy. Preoperative placement of ureteral catheters reduces the risk of intraoperative damage.

Conclusions: It is necessary to plan individual procedure for women who has low-lying or previa placenta, and who has history of prior cesarean section - in this group the risk of placenta accreta spectrum is higher.

Keywords: algorithm; cesarean section; placenta accreta spectrum; placenta increta; placenta invasion.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy / methods
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Parturition
  • Placenta / pathology
  • Placenta Accreta* / diagnosis
  • Placenta Accreta* / surgery
  • Placenta Previa* / pathology
  • Placenta Previa* / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies