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.

Neonatal outcomes in the surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders: a retrospective single-center observational study from 468 Vietnamese pregnancies beyond 28 weeks of gestation.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PASDs) increase the mortality rate for mothers and newborns over a decade. Thus, the purpose of the study is to evaluate the neonatal outcomes in emergency cesarean section (CS) and planned surgery as well as in Cesarean hysterectomy and the modified one-step conservative uterine surgery (MOSCUS). The secondary aim is to reveal the factors relating to poor neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study conducted between 2019 and 2020 at Tu Du Hospital, in the southern region of Vietnam. A total of 497 pregnant women involved in PASDs beyond 28 weeks of gestation were enrolled. The clinical outcomes concerning gestational age, birth weight, APGAR score, neonatal intervention, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and NICU length of stay (LOS) were compared between emergency and planned surgery, between the Cesarean hysterectomy and the MOSCUS. The univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the adverse neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Among 468 intraoperatively diagnosed PASD cases who underwent CS under general anesthesia, neonatal outcomes in the emergency CS (n = 65) were significantly poorer than in planned delivery (n = 403). Emergency CS increased the odds ratio (OR) for earlier gestational age, lower birthweight, lower APGAR score at 5 min, higher rate of neonatal intervention, NICU admission, and longer NICU LOS ≥ 7 days with OR, 95% confidence interval (CI) were 10.743 (5.675-20.338), 3.823 (2.197-6.651), 5.215 (2.277-11.942), 2.256 (1.318-3.861), 2.177 (1.262-3.756), 3.613 (2.052-6.363), and 2.298 (1.140-4.630), respectively, p < 0.05. Conversely, there was no statistically significant difference between the neonatal outcomes in Cesarean hysterectomy (n = 79) and the MOSCUS method (n = 217). Using the multivariable logistic regression, factors independently associated with the 5-min-APGAR score of less than 7 points were time duration from the skin incision to fetal delivery (min) and gestational age (week). One minute-decreased time duration from skin incision to fetal delivery contributed to reduce the risk of adverse neonatal outcome by 2.2% with adjusted OR, 95% CI: 0.978 (0.962-0.993), p = 0.006. Meanwhile, one week-decreased gestational age increased approximately two fold odds of the adverse neonatal outcome with adjusted OR, 95% CI: 1.983 (1.600-2.456), p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Among pregnancies with PASDs, the neonatal outcomes are worse in the emergency group compared to planned group of cesarean section. Additionally, the neonatal comorbidities in the conservative surgery using the MOSCUS method are similar to Cesarean hysterectomy. Time duration from the skin incision to fetal delivery and gestational age may be considered in PASD surgery. Further data is required to strengthen these findings.

Differentiating placenta accreta spectrum from scar dehiscence with underlying, non-adherent placenta: A systematic review of scoring systems and primary data analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate discrimination between placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and scar dehiscence with underlying non-adherent placenta is challenging both on prenatal ultrasound and intraoperatively. This can lead to overdiagnosis of PAS and unnecessarily aggressive management of scar dehiscence which increases the risk of morbidity. Several scoring systems have been published which combine clinical and ultrasound information to help diagnose PAS in women at high risk. This research aims to provide insights into the reliability and utility of existing accreta scoring systems in differentiating these two closely related but different conditions to contribute to improved clinical decision making and patient outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in four electronic databases. The references of relevant articles were also assessed. The articles were then evaluated according to the predefined inclusion criteria. Primary data for testing each scoring system were obtained retrospectively from two hospitals with specialized PAS services. Each scoring system was used to evaluate the predicted outcome of each case. RESULTS: The literature review yielded 15 articles. Of these, eight did not have a clearly described diagnostic criteria for accreta, hence were excluded. Of the remaining seven studies, one was excluded due to unorthodox diagnostic criteria and two were excluded as they differed from the other systems hindering comparison. Four scoring systems were therefore tested with the primary data. All the scoring systems demonstrated higher scores for high-grade PAS compared to scar dehiscence (p < 0.001) with an excellent Area Under the receiver operator characteristic Curve ranging from 0.82 (95% CI 0.71-0.92) to 0.87 (95% CI 0.79-0.96) in differentiating between these two conditions. However, no statistically significant differences were noted between the low-grade PAS and scar dehiscence on all scoring systems. CONCLUSIONS: Most published scoring systems have no clearly defined diagnostic criteria. Scoring systems can differentiate between scar dehiscence with underlying non-adherent placenta from high-grade PAS with excellent diagnostic accuracy, but not for low-grade PAS. Hence, relying solely on these scoring systems may lead to errors in estimating the risk or extent of the condition which hinders preoperative planning.

Accuracy of Ultrasound in the Prediction of the FIGO Classification of Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of greyscale ultrasound (US) and colour Doppler detecting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) based on the newly recommended International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO) grading system. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on women diagnosed with placenta previa or low-lying placenta involving the anterior uterine wall and associated with PAS as identified by the US. Transabdominal and transvaginal greyscale US was performed on admission between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation and compared to clinical grading and histopathological examination after cesarean hysterectomy. RESULTS: In total, 36 pregnant females who underwent a cesarean hysterectomy due to placenta previa complicated by PAS were included in this study. All patients had a history of previous cesarean deliveries, ranging from 1 to 5 deliveries. The US has an overall sensitivity of 33%, 55%, and 84.62%, and specificity of 100%, 75%, and 60% in detecting the 3 degrees of PAS, respectively. US cannot differentiate between the different subtypes of PAS grade 3 (a, b, and c). CONCLUSION: The overall US evaluation was highly significant in predicting the FIGO diagnosis of PAS; however, all ultrasonographic signs were equally relevant in diagnosing grade 1 and/or 2 PAS and were inaccurate in differing the subtypes of PAS grade 3.

Outcomes of cesarean delivery in placenta accreta: conservative delivery vs. cesarean hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare delivery outcomes of pregnancies diagnosed with placenta-accreta-syndrome (PAS) who underwent conservative treatment to patients who underwent cesarean hysterectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study of all women diagnosed with PAS treated in one tertiary medical center between 03/2011 and 11/2020 was performed. Comparison was made between conservative management during cesarean delivery and cesarean hysterectomy. Conservative management included leaving uterus in situ with/without placenta and with/without myometrial resection. RESULTS: A total of 249 pregnancies (0.25 % of all deliveries) were diagnosed with PAS, 208 underwent conservative cesarean delivery and 41 had cesarean hysterectomy, 31 of them were unplanned (75.6 %). The median number of previous cesarean deliveries was significantly higher in the cesarean hysterectomy group. There was no difference in the duration from the last cesarean delivery, the presence of placenta previa, pre-operative hemoglobin or platelets levels between the pregnancies with conservative management and the cesarean hysterectomy. Significantly more pregnancies with sonographic suspicion of placenta percreta and bladder invasion had cesarean hysterectomy. Cesarean hysterectomy was significantly associated with earlier delivery, with bleeding and required significantly more blood products. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of relaparotomy following cesarean delivery or the rate of infections. Multivariable-regression-analysis revealed a significant odds ratio of 3.38 of blood loss of >3,000 mL following cesarean hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management in delivery of PAS pregnancies is associated with less bleeding complications during surgery compared to cesarean hysterectomy.

Evaluation of the holding-up uterus technique for placenta accreta spectrum cesarean hysterectomy in shocked patients with a high shock index: a case series study.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cesarean hysterectomy is performed under conditions of shock and can result in serious complications. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the "Holding-up uterus" surgical technique with a shock index (S.I.) > 1.5. METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent PAS cesarean hysterectomy were included in the study. RESULTS: Group I had S.I. > 1.5, and group II had S.I. ≤ 1.5. Group I had more complications, but none were above Grade 3 or fatal. Preoperative scheduled uterine artery embolization did not result in serious complications, but three patients who had emergency common iliac artery balloon occlusion (CIABO) and a primary total hysterectomy with S.I. > 1.5 had postoperative Grade 2 thrombosis. Two patients underwent manual ablation of the placenta under CIABO to preserve the uterus, both with S.I. > 1.5. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that the "Holding-up uterus" technique was safe, even in critical situations with S.I. > 1.5. CIABO had no intervention effect. The study also identified assisted reproductive technology pregnancies with a uterine cavity length of less than 5 cm before conception as a critical factor.

Association between Antenatal Vaginal Bleeding and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

Background and Objectives: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are placental conditions associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. While antenatal vaginal bleeding in the setting of PAS is common, the implications of this on overall outcomes remain unknown. Our primary objective was to identify the implications of antenatal vaginal bleeding in the setting of suspected PAS on both maternal and fetal outcomes. Materials and Methods: We performed a case-control study of patients referred to our PAS center of excellence delivered by cesarean hysterectomy from 2012 to 2022. Subsequently, antenatal vaginal bleeding episodes were quantified, and components of maternal morbidity were assessed. A maternal composite of surgical morbidity was utilized, comprised of blood loss ≥ 2 L, transfusion ≥ 4 units of blood, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and post-operative length of stay ≥ 4 days. Results: During the time period, 135 cases of confirmed PAS were managed by cesarean hysterectomy. A total of 61/135 (45.2%) had at least one episode of bleeding antenatally, and 36 (59%) of these had two or more bleeding episodes. Increasing episodes of antenatal vaginal bleeding were associated with emergent delivery (p < 0.01), delivery at an earlier gestational age (35 vs. 34 vs. 33 weeks, p < 0.01), and increased composite maternal morbidity (76, 84, and 94%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Antenatal vaginal bleeding in the setting of PAS is associated with increased emergent deliveries, earlier gestational ages, and maternal composite morbidity. This important antenatal event may aid in not only counseling patients but also in the coordination of multidisciplinary teams caring for these complex patients.

Implementation and outcomes of a uterine artery embolization and tranexamic acid protocol for placenta accreta spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum disorders are a continuum of placental pathologies with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. Morbidity is related to the overall degree of placental adherence, and thus patients with placenta increta or percreta represent a high-risk category of patients. Hemorrhage and transfusion of blood products represent 90% of placenta accreta spectrum morbidity. Both tranexamic acid and uterine artery embolization independently decrease obstetrical hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide an evidence-based intraoperative protocol for placenta accreta spectrum management. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a pre- and postimplementation analysis of concomitant uterine artery embolization and tranexamic acid in cases of patients with antenatally suspected placenta increta and percreta over a 5-year period (2018-2022). For comparison, a 5-year (2013-2017) preimplementation group was used to assess the impact of the uterine artery embolization and tranexamic acid protocol for placenta accreta spectrum. Patient demographics and clinically relevant outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 126 cases were managed by the placenta accreta spectrum team, of which 66 had suspected placenta increta/percreta over the 10-year time period. Two patients were excluded from the postimplementation cohort because they did not undergo both interventions. Thus, 30 (30/64; 47%) were treated after implementation of the uterine artery embolization and tranexamic acid protocol for placenta accreta spectrum, and 34 (34/64; 53%) preimplementation patients did not undergo uterine artery embolization or tranexamic acid infusion. With the uterine artery embolization and tranexamic acid protocol, operative times were longer (416 vs 187 minutes; P<.01), and patients were more likely to receive general anesthesia (80% vs 47%; P<.01). However, blood loss was reduced by 33% (2000 vs 3000 cc; P=.03), overall blood transfusion rates decreased by 51% (odds ratio, 0.05 [95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.20]; P<.01), and massive blood transfusion (>10 units transfused) was reduced 5-fold (odds ratio, 0.17 [95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.17]; P=.02). Postoperative complication rates remained unchanged (4 vs 10 events; P=.14). Neonatal outcomes were equivalent. CONCLUSION: The uterine artery embolization and tranexamic acid protocol for placenta accreta spectrum is an effective approach to the standardization of complex placenta accreta spectrum cases that results in optimal perioperative outcomes and reduced maternal morbidity.

Efficacy of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for hemorrhage control in patients with abnormally invasive placenta: a historical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) are at high risk of massive postpartum hemorrhage. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), as an adjunct therapeutic strategy for hemostasis, offers the obstetrician an alternative for treating patients with AIP. This study aimed to evaluate the role of REBOA in hemorrhage control in patients with AIP. METHODS: This was a historical cohort study with prospectively collected data between January 2014 to July 2021 at a single tertiary center. According to delivery management, 364 singleton pregnant AIP patients desiring uterus preservation were separated into two groups. The study group (balloon group, n = 278) underwent REBOA during cesarean section, whereas the reference group (n = 86) did not undergo REBOA. Surgical details and maternal outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was estimated blood loss and the rate of uterine preservation. RESULTS: A total of 278 (76.4%) participants experienced REBOA during cesarean section. The patients in the balloon group had a smaller blood loss during cesarean Sect. (1370.5 [752.0] ml vs. 3536.8 [1383.2] ml; P < .001) and had their uterus salvaged more often (264 [95.0%] vs. 23 [26.7%]; P < .001). These patients were also less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit after delivery (168 [60.4%] vs. 67 [77.9%]; P = .003) and had a shorter operating time (96.3 [37.6] min vs. 160.6 [45.5] min; P < .001). The rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (176 [63.3%] vs. 52 [60.4%]; P = .70) and total maternal medical costs ($4925.4 [1740.7] vs. $5083.2 [1705.1]; P = .13) did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: As a robust hemorrhage-control technique, REBOA can reduce intraoperative hemorrhage in patients with AIP. The next step is identifying associated risk factors and defining REBOA inclusion criteria to identify the subgroups of AIP patients who may benefit more.

Importance of the gynecologic oncologist in management of cesarean hysterectomy for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS).

OBJECTIVE: Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is an invasive placental disorder characterized by significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Utilization of multidisciplinary teams has been shown to optimize patient outcomes. Our objective was to assess the impact of cesarean hysterectomy performed by gynecologic oncologists versus Ob/Gyn specialists in maternal morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of singleton, non-anomalous pregnancies complicated by PAS University of Texas Health San Antonio Placenta Accreta program from 2010 to 2021. Our primary outcome was a maternal morbidity composite of any of the following: estimated blood loss >2 L, ICU admission, intraoperative acidosis and post-operative length of stay >4 days. In addition, demographic and pregnancy data were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the individual impact of variables such as general anesthesia, episodes of vaginal bleeding, uterine artery embolization, emergent delivery and placenta percreta pathology. RESULTS: 122 pregnancies complicated by PAS who underwent cesarean hysterectomy were identified from 2010 to 2021. Gynecologic oncologists were the primary surgeons for 62 (50.8%) of these cases. The involvement of gynecologic oncologists increased over the time period from 16% to 80%. Gynecologic oncologists were more like to be involved in cases with an antenatal diagnosis of placenta percreta (11.7 vs 37.1%, p = 0.001) and these cases were characterized by increased composite maternal morbidity (65 vs 83.9%, p = 0.02). These cases were also significantly longer (151 vs 271 min, p < 0.0001), involved greater usage of urinary stents (36.7 vs 66.1%, p = 0.002) and had longer post-operative lengths of stay (3 vs 4 days, p < 0.0001). PAS cesarean hysterectomies by gynecologic oncologists were less likely to be supracervical (25 vs 3.2%, p = 0.0005). Multivariate analysis controlling for placenta percreta, uterine artery embolization, vaginal bleeding and emergent delivery showed no difference in composite maternal morbidity (aOR = 0.95, 95%CI [0.35-2.52]) and lower rates of intraoperative acidosis (aOR = 0.36, 95%CI [0.14-0.93]) or post-operative length of stay >4 days (aOR = 0.37, 95%CI [0.15-0.91]). CONCLUSIONS: Gynecologic oncologists play a critical role in the surgical management of PAS cesarean hysterectomies. When compared to Ob/Gyn specialists, gynecologic oncologists are more likely to act as primary surgeons in complex cases similar morbidity and greater post-operative outcomes.

Conservative management or cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum: the PACCRETA prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum is a life-threatening condition that has increased dramatically in recent decades along with cesarean rates worldwide. Cesarean hysterectomy is widely practiced in women with placenta accreta spectrum; however, the maternal outcomes after cesarean hysterectomy have not been thoroughly compared with the maternal outcomes after alternative approaches, such as conservative management. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the severe maternal outcomes between women with placenta accreta spectrum treated with cesarean hysterectomy and those treated with conservative management (leaving the placenta in situ). STUDY DESIGN: From a source population of 520,114 deliveries in 176 hospitals (PACCRETA study), we designed an observational cohort of women with placenta accreta spectrum who had either a cesarean hysterectomy or a conservative management (the placenta left in situ) during cesarean delivery. Clinicians prospectively identified women meeting the inclusion criteria and included them at delivery. Data collection started only after the women had received information and agreed to participate in the study in the immediate postpartum period. The primary outcome was the transfusion of >4 units of packed red blood cells within 6 months after delivery. Secondary outcomes were other maternal complications within 6 months. We used propensity score weighting to account for potential indication bias. RESULTS: Here, 86 women had conservative management and 62 women had cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum during cesarean delivery. The primary outcome occurred in 14 of 86 women in the conservative management group (16.3%) and 36 of 61 (59.0%) in the cesarean hysterectomy group (risk ratio in propensity score weighted model, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.45). The rates of hysterectomy, total estimated blood loss exceeding 3000 mL, any blood product transfusion, adjacent organ injury, and nonpostpartum hemorrhage-related severe maternal morbidity were lower with conservative management than with cesarean hysterectomy (all adjusted, P≤.02); but, the rates of arterial embolization, endometritis, and readmission within 6 months of discharge were higher with conservative management than with cesarean hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Among women with placenta accreta spectrum who underwent cesarean delivery, conservative management was associated with a lower risk of transfusion of >4 units of packed red blood cells within 6 months than cesarean hysterectomy.

Effect of anesthesia selection on neonatal outcomes in cesarean hysterectomies for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

OBJECTIVES: Optimal treatment for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is late-preterm cesarean hysterectomy to minimize maternal morbidity. This study aims to assess the impact of surgical planning during this gestational age on neonates as a key part of the pregnancy dyad. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of 115 singleton, non-anomalous pregnancies complicated by PAS at the University of Texas Health San Antonio Placenta Accreta program from 2005 to 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the individual impact of variables such as anesthesia selection, advancing gestational age and operative characteristics. RESULTS: With regards to neonatal intubation, on multivariate analysis, neuraxial anesthesia (OR=0.09, [95% CI 0.02, 0.37]) and advancing gestational age (OR=0.49 [95% CI 0.34, 0.71]) were independent protective factors. In addition, NICU length of stay was directly impacted by neuraxial anesthesia (IRR=0.73, [95% CI 0.55, 0.97]) and advancing gestational age (IRR=0.80 [95% CI 0.76, 0.84]), resulting in shorter NICU admissions. CONCLUSIONS: As gestational age at delivery may not be modifiable in cases of PAS, the utilization of neuraxial anesthesia (as oppose to general anesthesia) presents a modifiable intervention which may optimize neonatal outcomes from cesarean hysterectomy.

Improved management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders: experience from a single institution.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the applicability of a standardized multidisciplinary protocol for managing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and its impact on the outcomes. METHODS: We compared patients with PAS manage by a standardized multidisciplinary protocol (T2) to historic controls managed on a case-by-case basis by individual physicians between (T1). The primary outcome is composite maternal morbidity. Secondary outcomes were the rates of surgical complications, estimated blood loss, number of blood products transfused, intensive care unit admissions, ventilator use, and birth weight. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to identify independent predictors of composite maternal morbidity. RESULTS: During T1 and T2, we managed 39 and 36 patients with confirmed PAS, respectively. During T2, the protocol could be implemented in 21 cases (58%). Compared to T1, patients managed during T2 had 70% less composite maternal morbidity (95% CI: 0.11-0.82) and lower blood loss (median, 2,000 vs. 1,100 mL, p=0.008). Also, they were 68% less likely to require transfusion of blood products (95% CI: 0.12-0.81; p=0.01), including fewer units of packed red blood cells (median, 2 vs. 0, p=0.02). Management following the protocol was the only independent factor associated with lower composite maternal morbidity (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05-0.95; p=0.04). Selected maternal and neonatal outcomes were not different among 12 and 15 patients with suspected but unconfirmed PAS disorders managed during T1 and T2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients can be managed under a standardized multidisciplinary protocol for PAS disorders, leading to improved outcomes.

Proposal of a simple 2-hand technique at cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) encompasses a range of disorders of placental trophoblastic tissue that is morbidly adherent to the underlying gravid uterus. Women with PAS commonly undergo surgical treatment with hysterectomy at cesarean delivery that is associated with significant surgical morbidity and mortality. Increased vascularity due to gestational change and the abnormally enlarged lower uterine segment due to the location of placenta make the surgery complex and morbid. Here, we propose a simple 2-hand technique that can be used to improve surgical outcomes of cesarean hysterectomy for PAS. Unlike the ordinary hysterectomy where the transection of the cardinal ligament is started at the isthmus below the low uterine segment, the proposed 2-hand technique allows transection of the cardinal ligament at the level of the lower uterine segment below the placental bed. This minimizes blood loss that may be associated with serial transection of cardinal ligament which occurs when it is transected at or above the placenta level. This surgical approach starts with demarcation of 3 anatomical landmarks [rectum (posterior aspect), ureters (lateral aspect), and bladder (anterior aspect)] in postero-anterior progression. Complete de-serosalization of posterior low uterine segment allows lateralization of the ureter and enables the uterus to be mobilized antero-caudally where the surgeon's hand can reach below the placental bed. After the bladder flap creation to the level of endopelvic fascia, the surgeon's two hands are placed antero-posteriorly at low uterine segment below the placental bed. The fingertips of both hands meet at the cardinal ligament below placenta at the level of the upper cervix. At this point the two hands are gently moved upwards, carrying the placenta-containing low uterine segment. This step enables creation of a safe anatomical distance from surrounding structures and isolation of the cardinal ligament where surgical clamp can be applied to transect the cardinal ligament.

Ultrasound and MRI appearance of abnormally adherent placenta in a woman with Asherman's syndrome.

Although 10% of pregnancies following treatment of Asherman's syndrome are estimated to have abnormal placental adhesion, there is a paucity of reports describing imaging features in such cases. We describe ultrasound and MRI features in one of such cases, showing a peculiar pattern of shallow but diffuse abnormally adherent placenta.

The modified radical peripartum cesarean hysterectomy (Soleymani-Alazzam-Collins technique): a systematic, safe procedure for the management of severe placenta accreta spectrum.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of placenta accreta spectrum is rising worldwide. The severe end of the spectrum where the placenta has invaded other organs is fortunately rare, however, few surgical techniques for such a complex hysterectomy have been described in the literature. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe a stepwise, systematic technique for radical cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum to investigate outcomes for women with severe, invasive placenta accreta spectrum who were hysterectomized using this technique. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study undertaken at a large UK tertiary referral center. A total of 24 cases of elective primary cesarean hysterectomy with a confirmed intrapartum diagnosis of severe percreta (Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grades 3b and 3c) were identified between 2011 and 2020. Among those cases, 16 had standard care (surgical technique dependent on surgeon's preference), and 8 had a radical peripartum hysterectomy using the Soleymani-Alazzam-Collins technique as described. Nonparametric testing was used because of sample size. RESULTS: The Soleymani-Alazzam-Collins technique resulted in significantly less blood loss (P=.032), more transverse incisions (P=.009), and less intensive care unit admissions (P=.046). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in theater time. CONCLUSION: The Soleymani-Alazzam-Collins technique demonstrated a significant improvement in outcomes for women with severe placenta accreta spectrum, without increasing surgical time.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Treatment With Intraoperative Multivessel Embolization: the PASTIME protocol.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary care of placenta accreta spectrum cases improves pregnancy outcomes, but the specific components of such a multidisciplinary collaboration varies between institutions. As experience with placenta accreta spectrum increases, it is crucial to assess new surgical techniques and protocols to help improve maternal outcomes and to advocate for hospital resources. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess a novel multidisciplinary protocol for the treatment of placenta accreta spectrum that comprises cesarean delivery, multivessel uterine embolization, and hysterectomy in a single procedure within a hybrid operative suite. STUDY DESIGN: This was a matched prepost study of placenta accreta spectrum cases managed before (2010-2017) and after implementation of the Placenta Accreta Spectrum Treatment With Intraoperative Multivessel Embolization protocol (2018-2021) at a tertiary medical center. Historical cases were managed with internal iliac artery balloon placement in selected cases with the decision to inflate the balloons intraoperatively at the discretion of the primary surgeon. Intraoperative Embolization cases were compared with historical cases in a 1:2 ratio matched on the basis of placenta accreta spectrum severity and surgical urgency. The primary outcome was a requirement for transfusion with packed red blood cells. Secondary outcomes included estimated surgical blood loss, operative and postoperative complications, procedural time, length of stay, and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 15 Placenta Accreta Spectrum Treatment With Intraoperative Multivessel Embolization cases and 30 matched historical cases were included in the analysis. There were no demographic differences noted between the groups. A median (interquartile range) of 0 units (0-2 units) of packed red blood cells were transfused in the Intraoperative Embolization group compared with 2 units (0-4.5 units) in the historical group (P=.045); 5 of 15 (33.3%) Intraoperative Embolization cases required blood transfusions compared with 19 of 30 (63.3%) cases in the historical group (P=.11). The estimated blood loss was significantly less in the Intraoperative Embolization group with a median (interquartile range) of 750 mL (450-1050 mL) compared with 1750 mL (1050-2500 mL) in the historical group (P=.003). There were no cases requiring massive transfusion (≥10 red blood cell units in 24 hours) in the Intraoperative Embolization group compared with 5 of 30 (16.7%) cases in the historical group (P=.15). There were no intraoperative deaths from hemorrhagic shock using the Intraoperative Embolization protocol, whereas this occurred in 2 of the historical cases. The mean duration of the interventional radiology procedure was longer in the Intraoperative Embolization group (67.8 vs 34.1 minutes; P=.002). Intensive care unit admission and postpartum length of stay were similar, and surgical and postoperative complications were not significantly different between the groups. The gestational age and neonatal birthweights were similar; however, the neonatal length of stay was longer in the Intraoperative Embolization group (median duration, 32 days vs 15 days; P=.02) with a trend toward low Apgar scores. Incidence of arterial umbilical cord blood pH <7.2 and respiratory distress syndrome and intubation rates were not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary pathway including a single-surgery protocol with multivessel uterine embolization is associated with a decrease in blood transfusion requirements and estimated blood loss with no increase in operative complications. The Placenta Accreta Spectrum Treatment With Intraoperative Multivessel Embolization protocol provides a definitive surgical method that warrants consideration by other centers specializing in placenta accreta spectrum treatment.

Utilizations and outcomes of intra-arterial balloon occlusion at cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined national-level trends, characteristics, and perioperative outcomes of women who had intra-arterial balloon occlusion at cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a population-based retrospective observational study that queried the National Inpatient Sample from October 2015 to December 2018. Study population was women who underwent hysterectomy at cesarean delivery for PAS (n = 6440 in 806 centers). Exposure allocation was the use of intra-arterial balloon occlusion. Main outcome measures were (a) characteristics associated with intra-arterial balloon occlusion use, and (b) perioperative outcome including hemorrhage, blood transfusion, coagulopathy, shock, urinary tract injury, intra-arterial balloon occlusion-related complication (arterial injury, arterial thrombosis, and lower extremities ischemia), and death, assessed in multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Intra-arterial balloon occlusion was used in 420 (6.5%) women in 64 (7.9%) centers. Utilization of intra-arterial balloon occlusion during cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta decreased significantly over time (from 6.3% to 3.1%, p < 0.001), but not in placenta increta (from 12.8% to 9.3%, p = 0.204) or placenta percreta (from 21.3% to 17.5%, p = 0.344). In a multivariable analysis, patient factors (younger age, earlier year, obesity, diabetes mellitus), pregnancy factors (placenta increta/percreta, previous cesarean delivery, placenta previa, and early gestational age), and facility factors (large bed capacity, urban teaching status, and Northeast/West regions) represented the independent characteristics for using the intra-arterial balloon occlusion (all, p < 0.05). In a classification-tree model, the absolute difference in intra-arterial balloon occlusion use among 18 utilization patterns was 48% (range, 0%-48%). In perioperative outcome analysis, women who received intra-arterial balloon occlusion were more likely to have coagulopathy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.43) and arterial thrombosis (aOR 9.82) in placenta accreta, but less likely to have hemorrhage (aOR 0.25) in placenta increta, and blood transfusion (aOR 0.60) and urinary tract injury (aOR 0.28) in placenta percreta compared with those who did not (all, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide range in the utilization of intra-arterial balloon occlusion at cesarean hysterectomy for PAS based on patient, pregnancy, and facility factors, which implies that there is a lack of universal practice guidelines in this surgical procedure. Whether the use of intra-arterial balloon occlusion in the severe forms of PAS improves surgical outcome merits further investigation.

When a rare condition creates a scientific society: The history of the International Society for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (IS-PAS).

Almost 10 years ago, clinicians at multiple locations all over Europe observed an increased number of antenatally undiagnosed cases of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) resulting in significant morbidity and the occasional maternal death. Even with an improvement in antenatal imaging, the management of severe PAS remains challenging. One solution to improve understanding in rare but potentially lethal conditions is international collaboration. Consequently, a European working group was formed, which over the next few years grew into an international society, the IS-PAS. The collective goals are to develop a large shared database of cases, generate high-quality research into all aspects of PAS, and improve education of both healthcare professionals and patients. The first results of this collaboration are presented within this supplement.

Abdominal cerclage in a patient with a neocervix with planned cesarean hysterectomy at delivery.

Pregnancies complicated by congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) with a neocervix present a variety of challenges for the obstetrician. Abdominal cerclage can be utilized to help prevent preterm delivery in a patient with a neocervix. A 14-year-old female presented with right adnexal pain and was found to have a complex uterine anomaly resembling a noncommunicating unicornuate uterus with a cervix embedded in the rudimentary horn. A neocervix was created during surgical removal of the rudimentary horn. The patient became pregnant at age 24, and a transabdominal cerclage served an important role in the prevention of preterm delivery. Although limited data exists regarding the outcomes for the use of abdominal cerclage after the creation of a neocervix, term delivery is possible with said intervention.