Emergency delivery in pregnancies at high probability of placenta accreta spectrum on prenatal imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum disorders are associated with a high risk of maternal morbidity, particularly when surgery is performed under emergency conditions. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of emergency cesarean delivery in patients with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum disorders on prenatal imaging and to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes between patients requiring emergency cesarean delivery and those not requiring emergency cesarean delivery. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This study included case-control studies reporting the outcomes of pregnancies with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum on prenatal imaging confirmed at birth delivered via unplanned emergency cesarean delivery vs those delivered via planned elective cesarean delivery for maternal or fetal indications. The outcomes observed were the occurrence of emergency cesarean delivery; incidence of placenta accreta and placenta increta/placenta percreta; preterm birth at <34 weeks of gestation; and indications for emergency delivery. This study analyzed and compared the outcomes between patients who underwent emergency cesarean delivery and those who underwent elective cesarean delivery, including estimated blood loss; number of packed red blood cell units transfused and blood products transfused; transfusion of more than 4 units of packed red blood cell; ureteral, bladder, or bowel injury; disseminated intravascular coagulation; relaparotomy after the primary surgery; maternal infection or fever; wound infection; vesicouterine or vesicovaginal fistula; admission to the neonatal intensive care unit; maternal death; composite neonatal morbidity; fetal or neonatal loss; Apgar score of <7 at 5 minutes; and neonatal birthweight. METHODS: Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control and cohort studies. Random-effect meta-analyses of proportions, risks, and mean differences were used to combine the data. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies with 1290 pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta spectrum were included in the systematic review. Emergency cesarean delivery was reported in 36.2% of pregnancies (95% confidence interval, 28.1-44.9) with placenta accreta spectrum at birth, of which 80.3% of cases (95% confidence interval, 36.5-100.0) occurred before 34 weeks of gestation. The main indication for emergency cesarean delivery was antepartum bleeding, which complicated 61.8% of the cases (95% confidence interval, 32.1-87.4). Patients who underwent emergent cesarean delivery had higher estimated blood loss during surgery (pooled mean difference, 595 mL; 95% confidence interval, 116.10-1073.90; P<.001), higher number of packed red blood cells transfused (pooled mean difference, 2.3 units; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-3.60; P<.001), and higher number of blood products transfused (pooled mean difference, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-4.90; P=.002) than patients who underwent scheduled cesarean delivery. Patients who underwent emergency cesarean delivery had a higher risk of requiring transfusion of more than 4 units of packed red blood cell (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-4.9; P=.002), bladder injury (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.0; P=.003), disseminated intravascular coagulation (odds ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-13.1; P<.001), and admission to the intensive care unit (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-3.3; P<.001). Newborns delivered via emergency cesarean delivery had a higher risk of adverse composite neonatal outcomes (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.7; P=.019), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.6; P=.029), Apgar score of <7 at 5 minutes (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.9; P=.002), and fetal or neonatal loss (odds ratio, 8.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-27.4; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Emergency cesarean delivery complicates approximately 35% of pregnancies affected by placenta accreta spectrum disorders and is associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical and imaging signs that can identify patients with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum at birth, patients at risk of requiring emergency cesarean delivery or peripartum hysterectomy, and patients at high risk of experiencing intrapartum hemorrhage.

Usefulness of low-cost simulation models to learning surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum: An observational educational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of low-cost simulation models to teach surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), included in a multimodal education workshop for PAS. METHODS: This was an observational, survey-based study. Participants were surveyed before and after the use of low-fidelity mannequins to simulate two surgical techniques for PAS (one-step conservative surgery [OSCS] and modified subtotal hysterectomy [MSTH]), within a multimodal educational workshop. The workshops included pre-course preparation, didactics, simulated practice of the techniques using low-cost models, and viewing live surgery. RESULTS: Six OSCS/MSTH training workshops occurred across six countries and a total of 270 participants were surveyed. The responses of 127 certified obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) were analyzed. Participants expressed favorable impressions of all components of the simulated session. Perceived anatomical simulator fidelity, scenario realism, educational component effectiveness, and self-assessed performance improvement received ratings of 4-5 (positive end of the Likert scale) from over 90% of respondents. When asked about simulation's role in technique comprehension, comfort level in technique performance, and likelihood of recommending this workshop to others, more than 75% of participants rated these aspects with a score of 4-5 (positively) on the five-point scale. CONCLUSION: Low-cost simulation, within a multimodal education strategy, is a well-accepted intervention for teaching surgical techniques for PAS.

Advanced repair of recurrent and low-large hysterotomy defects using a myometrial glide flap.

BACKGROUND: The resolution of factors linked to the recurrence of cesarean section defects can be accomplished through a comprehensive technique that effectively addresses the dehiscent area, eliminates associated intraluminal fibrosis, and establishes a vascularized anterior wall by creating a sliding myometrial flap. OBJECTIVE: Propose a comprehensive surgical repair for recurrent and large low hysterotomy defects in women seeking pregnancy or recurrent spotting. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis included 54 patients aged 25-41 with recurrent large cesarean scar defects treated at Otamendi, CEMIC, and Valle de Lili hospitals. Comprehensive surgical repair was performed by suprapubic laparotomy, involving a wide opening of the vesicouterine space, removal of the dehiscent cesarean scar and all intrauterine abnormal fibrous tissues, using a glide myometrial flap, and intramyometrial injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma. Qualitative variables were determined, and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data in absolute frequencies or percentages. The data obtained were processed using the InfostatTM statistic program. RESULTS: Following the repair, all women experienced normal menstrual cycles and demonstrated an adequate lower uterine segment thickness, with no evidence of healing defects. All patients experienced early ambulation and were discharged within 24 h. Uterine hemostasis was achieved at specific points, minimizing the use of electrocautery. The standard duration of the procedure was 60 min (skin-to-skin), and the average bleeding was 80-100 ml. No perioperative complications were recorded. A control T2-weighted MRI was performed six months after surgery. All patients displayed a clean, unobstructed endometrial cavity with a thick anterior wall (Median: 14.98 mm, IQR 13-17). Twelve patients became pregnant again, all delivered by cesarean between 36.1 and 38.0 weeks, with a mean of 37.17 weeks. The thickness of the uterine segment before cesarean ranged between 3 and 7 mm, with a mean of 3.91 mm. No cases of placenta previa, dehiscence, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), or postpartum hemorrhage were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive repair of recurrent low-large defects offers a holistic solution for addressing recurrent hysterotomy defects. Innovative repair concepts effectively address the wound defect and associated fibrosis, ensuring an appropriate myometrial thickness through a gliding myometrial flap.

One-step conservative surgery vs hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum: a feasibility randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum is a serious condition associated with significant maternal morbidity and even mortality. The recommended treatment is hysterectomy. An alternative is 1-step conservative surgery, which involves the en bloc resection of the myometrium affected by placenta accreta spectrum along with the placenta, followed by uterine reconstruction. Currently, there are no studies comparing the 2 techniques in the setting of a randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: We performed a prospectively registered multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing hysterectomy with 1-step conservative surgery. The aim was to collect feasibility and clinical outcomes of the 2 techniques in women assigned to hysterectomy or 1-step conservative surgery. In addition to assessing participants' willingness to be randomized, we also collected data on intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, serious adverse event, and other clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty women with strong antenatal suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum were assigned randomly to either hysterectomy (n=31) or 1-step conservative surgery (n=29). RESULTS: During a 20-month period, 60 of the 64 eligible patients (93.7%) underwent randomization. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that the clinical outcomes for 1-step conservative surgery were comparable to those of hysterectomy (median intraoperative blood loss, 1740 mL [interquartile range, 1010-2410] vs 1500 mL [interquartile range, 1122-2753]; odds ratio, 1 [1-1]; P=.942; median duration of surgery, 135 minutes [interquartile range, 111-180] vs 155 minutes [interquartile range, 120-185]; odds ratio, 0.99 [0.98-1]; P=.151; transfusion rate, 58.6% vs 61.3%; odds ratio, 0.96 [0.83-1.76]; P=.768; and adverse event rate, 17.2% vs 9.7%; odds ratio, 1.77 [0.43-10.19]; P=.398; respectively). In the subgroup of women with type 1 class on topographic classification, all participants allocated to 1-step surgery had successful outcomes, which were superior to those of hysterectomy. This was evidenced by the shorter surgery duration (median, 125 [interquartile range, 98-128] vs 180 [129-226] minutes; P=.002), lower transfusion rates (46.2% vs 82.4%), and fewer units of red blood cells transfused (median, 1 [interquartile range, 1-1.8] vs 3 [interquartile range, 2-4] units; P=.007). CONCLUSION: A randomized controlled trial comparing 2 surgical techniques for the treatment of placenta accreta spectrum is feasible. One-step conservative repair is a valid alternative to hysterectomy in the large majority of cases, but this can only be ascertained following intraoperative surgical staging. El resumen está disponible en Español al final del artículo.

Are international guideline recommendations for the management of placenta accreta spectrum applicable in low- and middle-income countries?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore how obstetricians-gynecologists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can apply current international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in limited resource settings. METHODS: This was an observational, survey-based study. Clinicians with expertise in managing patients with PAS in LMICs were contacted for their evaluation of the recommendations included in four PAS clinical practice guidelines. RESULTS: Out of the 158 clinicians contacted, we obtained responses from 65 (41.1%), representing 27 middle income countries (MICs). The results of this survey suggest that the care of PAS patients in middle income countries is very different from what is recommended by international CPGs. Participants in the survey identified that their practice was limited by insufficient availability of hospital infrastructure, low resources of local health systems and lack of trained multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and this did not enable them to follow CPG recommendations. Two-thirds of the participants surveyed describe the absence of centers of excellence in their country. In over half of the referral hospitals with expertise in managing PAS, there are no MDTs. One-third of patients with intraoperative findings of PAS are managed by the team initially performing the surgery (without additional assistance). CONCLUSION: The care of patients with PAS in middle income countries frequently deviates from established CPG recommendations largely due to limitations in local resources and infrastructure. New practical guidelines and training programs designed for low resource settings are needed.

Anesthesia and postpartum pain management for placenta accreta spectrum: The patient perspective and recommendations for care.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a high-risk complication of pregnancy, which often requires complex surgical intervention. There is limited literature on the patient experience during the perioperative period and postpartum pain management for PAS. Therefore, this study aims to explore the patient perspective of anesthesia care. METHODS: Ethical approval was granted by the hospital ethics committee (EC02.2023). This was a descriptive survey study, including women with a history of pregnancy complicated by PAS who were members of two patient advocacy groups. The survey, consisting of both open and closed questions, was performed over a 6-week period between January and March 2023. Content analysis was performed on qualitative data to identify themes, and recommendations for care are suggested. RESULTS: A total of 347 participants responded to the survey; 76% (n = 252) had a cesarean hysterectomy (n = 252), and general anesthesia was the most common primary mode of anesthesia (39%, n = 130). We identified two overarching themes: experiences of anesthesia and experience of postpartum pain management. Under experiences of anesthesia, three subthemes were identified, namely "communication with the anesthesiologist", "deferring to the expertise of the team", and "consequences of decision around the mode of anesthesia." Under postpartum pain management, two subthemes emerged: "support of specialist PAS team" and "poor pain management following PAS surgery". CONCLUSIONS: Women want to be involved in decisions around their care, but do not always understand the consequences of their decision-making, such as missing the birth of their child. An antenatal anesthesiology consultation is important to provide women with information, explore preferences, and develop a plan of care for the birth.

Espectro do acretismo placentário: recomendações atualizadas da perspectiva do profissional de imagem pré-natal / Placenta accreta spectrum disorders: current recommendations from the perspective of antenatal imaging

O parto cesáreo (PC) é o procedimento cirúrgico mais comumente realizado nos Estados Unidos (mais de 1 milhão de cirurgias por ano) e um dos procedimentos mais realizados em todo o mundo.(1) Embora o PC seja um procedimento potencialmente salvador de vidas, quando corretamente indicado, sua frequência aumentou constantemente nas últimas décadas (atualmente 21,1% globalmente, variando de 5%, na África Subsaariana, a 42,8%, na América Latina e no Caribe). Além disso, estudos demonstram tendência continuada de aumento (projeção para 2030: 28,5% globalmente, variando de 7,1%, na África Subsaariana, a 63,4%, no leste da Ásia).(2) República Dominicana, Brasil, Chipre, Egito e Turquia são os líderes mundiais, com taxas de PC variando de 58,1% a 50,8%, respectivamente, o que aponta para uma tendência preocupante de medicalização do parto e indicação excessiva do PC.(2) Outros procedimentos cirúrgicos como dilatação, curetagem, miomectomia e histeroscopia cirúrgica são menos frequentes que o PC. Ainda assim, devido à tendência de maior idade materna, o número de gestantes previamente submetidas a esses procedimentos também tende a aumentar. Esses dados apontam para um número crescente de gestações em úteros manipulados cirurgicamente Gestantes com cicatrizes uterinas prévias correm risco de aumento da morbimortalidade. Complicações como placenta prévia, rotura uterina espontânea, deiscência uterina (com ou sem intrusão placentária), gestação em cicatriz de cesariana (GCC) e distúrbios do espectro do acretismo placentário (EAP) estão associadas a sangramento uterino potencialmente fatal, lesões extrauterinas e parto pré-termo

Placenta accreta spectrum with severe morbidity: fibrosis associated with cervical-trigonal invasion.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical-surgical results of patients with PAS in the low-posterior cervical-trigonal space associated with fibrosis (PAS type 4) compared with PAS types in other locations (Types 1, upper bladder, 2 in upper parametrium) and in particular with PAS type 3, corresponding to dissectible cervical-trigonal invasion. The clinical-surgical results of using a standard hysterectomy were analyzed with a modified subtotal hysterectomy (MSTH) in patients with PAS type 4. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective, multicenter study included 337 patients of PAS; thirty-two corresponding to PAS type 4, from three PAS reference hospitals, CEMIC, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fundación Valle de Lili, Cali, Colombia, and Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, between January 2015 and December 2020. PAS was diagnosed by abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound and topographically characterized by ultrafast T2 weighted MRI. In persistent macroscopic hematuria after MSTH, the surgeon performs an intentional cystotomy and uses a square compression suture to achieve the hemostasis inside the bladder wall.According to a PAS topographical classification, the patients with low-vesical cervical involvement compared with PAS located in relation with the upper blader (type1), upper parametrium (type 2 upper), and also with PAS situated in the lower vesical-trigon space (type 3). PAS 3 and 4 are located in identical area, but in type 3, group A, the vesicouterine space was dissectible, and in type 4, group B, significant fibrosis made surgical dissection extremely challenging. Furthermore, group B was divided into patients treated with total hysterectomy (HT) and those treated with a modified subtotal hysterectomy (MSTH). The surgical requirements to perform an MSHT included the availability of proximal vascular control at the aortic level (internal manual aortic compression, aortic endovascular balloon, aortic loop, or aortic cross-clamping). Then surgeon performed an upper segmental hysterotomy, avoiding the abnormal placenta invasion area; after that, the fetus was delivered, and the umbilical cord was ligated.After uterine exteriorization, the surgeon applies a continuous circular suture with number 2 polyglactin 910, taking some portions of the myometrium -to avoid unintentional slipping- around the lower uterine segment and a 3-4 cm proximal to the abnormal adhesion of the placenta. After tightening hard the circular suture, the uterine segment was circumferentially cut, three centimeters proximal to the circular hemostatic sutures. Next, the surgery follows the upper steps of conventional hysterectomy without changes. Additionally, the histological presence of fibrosis was examined in all samples. RESULTS: Modified subtotal hysterectomy in patients with PAS type 4 (cervical-trigonal fibrosis) resulted in a significant clínico-surgical improvement over total hysterectomy. The median operative time and intraoperative bleeding were 140 min (IQR 90--240) and 1895 mL (IQR 1300-2500) in patients undergoing modified subtotal hysterectomy, and 260 min (IQR 210-287) and 2900 mL (IQR 2150-5500) in patients treated with total hysterectomy, respectively. The complication rate was 20% for MSHT and 82.3% for patients with a total hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: PAS in the cervical trigonal area associated with fibrosis implies a greater risk of complications due to uncontrollable bleeding and organ damage. MSTH is associated with lower morbidity and difficulties in PAS type 4. Prenatal or intrasurgical diagnosis is essential to plan surgical alternatives to improve the results.

Management of unexpected placenta accreta spectrum cases in resource-poor settings.

BACKGROUND: On a global scale, cases of placenta accreta spectrum are often just identified during cesarean delivery because they are missed during antenatal care screening. Routine operating teams not trained in the management of placenta accreta spectrum are faced with difficult surgical situations and have to make decisions that may define the clinical outcomes. Although there are general recommendations for the intraoperative management of placenta accreta spectrum, no studies have described the clinical reality of unexpected placenta accreta spectrum cases in resource-poor settings. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the maternal outcomes of previously undiagnosed placenta accreta spectrum managed in resource-poor settings in Colombia and Indonesia. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective case series of women with histologically confirmed placenta accreta spectrum treated in 2 placenta accreta spectrum centers after referral from remote resource-poor hospitals. Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to the initial type of management: (1) no cesarean delivery; (2) placenta left in situ after cesarean delivery; (3) partial removal of the placenta after cesarean delivery; and (4) post-cesarean hysterectomy. In addition, we evaluated the use of telemedicine by comparing the outcomes of women in hospitals that used the support of the placenta accreta spectrum center during the initial surgery. RESULTS: A total of 29 women who were initially managed in Colombia (n=2) and Indonesia (n=27) were included. The lowest volume of blood loss and the lowest frequency of complications were in women who underwent deferred cesarean delivery (n=5; 17.2%) and in those who had a delayed placental delivery (n=5; 20.7%). Five maternal deaths (14%) occurred in the group that did not receive telehelp, and 4 women died of irreversible shock because of uncontrolled bleeding. CONCLUSION: Previously undiagnosed placenta accreta spectrum in resource-poor hospitals was associated with a high risk of maternal mortality. Open-close abdominal surgery or leaving the placenta in situ seem to be the best choices for unexpected placenta accreta spectrum management in resource-poor settings. Telemedicine with a placenta accreta spectrum center may improve prognosis.

Maternal outcomes according to the type of placenta previa in a high complexity hospital in Cali, Colombia. Retrospective cohort study / Desenlaces maternos según el tipo de placenta previa en un hospital de alta complejidad en Cali, Colombia. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo

Objectives: To describe the frequency of maternal complications in pregnant women with major or minor placenta previa (PP), and to assess a potential association between PP type and the presence of severe maternal bleeding and other associated outcomes. Materials and methods: Retrospective descriptive cohort. The study included pregnant women with 20 weeks of gestation or more and a confirmed diagnosis of placenta previa who were seen in a high complexity hospital in Cali (Colombia), between January 2011 and December 2020. Women with a diagnosis of placenta previa and concomitant placenta accreta were excluded. The collected variables were maternal age, body mass index, smoking, obesity, parity, presence of bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, management of postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, and maternal ICU admission. A descriptive analysis was performed. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Fundaciónn Valle de Lili. Results: A total of 146 patients met the inclusion criteria. The population consisted of women with a mean age of 32 years, with no history of prior surgery, with a prenatal diagnosis of placente previa at week 22; 70 % were major placenta previa cases. The most frequent complications were postpartum hemorrhage (37.9 % vs. 16.3 % for patients with major and minor placenta previa, respectively), transfusion requirement (23.3 and 9.3 %, respectively), and maternal ICU admission (40.8 % vs. 18.6 %, respectively). There were no cases of maternal death. Conclusions: There is a high frequency of complications in women with placenta previa, and it is probably higher in cases of major placenta previa. Further studies are needed to compare the frequency of maternal complications according to the type of placenta previa.

Objetivos: describir la frecuencia de complicaciones maternas en mujeres gestantes con placenta previa (PP) mayor o menor y evaluar una posible asociación entre tipo de PP y la presencia de hemorragia materna severa y otros resultados maternos asociados. Materiales y métodos: cohorte retrospectiva, descriptiva. Se incluyeron gestantes con 20 semanas o más de embarazo, con diagnóstico confirmado de placenta previa, quienes fueron atendidas en un hospital de alto nivel de complejidad localizado en Cali (Colombia), entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2020. Se excluyeron las gestantes con diagnóstico de placenta previa y acretismo placentario concomitante. Las variables recolectadas fueron: edad materna, índice de masa corporal, tabaquismo, obesidad, paridad, presencia de sangrado, hemorragia posparto, manejo de la hemorragia posparto, transfusión y admisión a UCI de la gestante. Se realizó análisis descriptivo. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética de la Fundación Valle de Lili. Resultados: 146 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La población estuvo constituida por mujeres con una mediana de edad de 32 años, sin antecedente quirúrgico, con diagnóstico prenatal de placenta previa a la semana 22. En el 70,5 % de los casos se trató de pacientes con placenta previa mayor. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron hemorragia posparto (37,9 % vs. 16,3 % para pacientes con placenta previa mayor y menor, respectivamente), requerimiento de transfusión (23,3 y 9,3 %, respectivamente) y el ingreso materno a la UCI (40,8 % vs. 18,6 %, respectivamente). No se registraron muertes maternas. Conclusiones: las mujeres con placenta previa experimentan una frecuencia elevada de complicaciones; probablemente, dicha frecuencia es más alta cuando se documenta placenta previa mayor. Se requieren más estudios que comparen la frecuencia de complicaciones maternas según el tipo de placenta previa.

Placenta accreta spectrum into the parametrium, morbidity differences between upper and lower location.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the surgical and morbidity differences between upper and lower parametrial placenta invasion (PPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) into the parametrium underwent surgery between 2015 and 2020. Based on the peritoneal reflection, the study compared two types of parametrial placental invasion (PPI), upper or lower. Surgical approach to PAS follows a conservative-resective method. Before delivery, surgical staging by pelvic fascia dissection established a final diagnosis of placental invasion. In upper PPI cases, the team attempted to repair the uterus after resecting all invaded tissues or performing a hysterectomy. In cases of lower PPI, experts performed a hysterectomy in all cases. The team only used proximal vascular (aortic occlusion) control in cases of lower PPI. Surgical dissection for lower PPI started finding the ureter in the pararectal space, ligating all the tissues (placenta and newly formed vessels) to create a tunnel to release the ureter from the placenta and placenta suppletory vessels. Overall, at least three pieces of the invaded area were sent for histological analysis. RESULTS: Forty patients with PPI were included, 13 in the upper parametrium and 27 in the lower parametrium. MRI indicated PPI in 33/40 patients; in three, the diagnosis was presumed by ultrasound or medical background. The intrasurgical staging categorizes 13 cases of PPI performed and finds diagnosis in seven undetected cases. The expertise team completed a total hysterectomy in 2/13 upper PPI cases and all lower PPI cases (27/27). Hysterectomies in the upper PPI group were performed by extensive damage of the lateral uterine wall or with a tube compromise. Ureteral injury ensued in six cases, corresponding to cases without catheterization or incomplete ureteral identification. All aortic vascular proximal control (aortic balloon, internal aortic compression, or aortic loop) was efficient for controlling bleeding; in contrast, ligature of the internal iliac artery resulted in a useless procedure, resulting in uncontrollable bleeding and maternal death (2/27). All patients had antecedents of placental removal, abortion, curettage after a cesarean section, or repeated D&C. CONCLUSIONS: Lower PAS parametrial involvement is uncommon but associated with elevated maternal morbidity. Upper and lower PPI has different surgical risks and technical approaches; consequently, an accurate diagnosis is needed. The clinical background of manual placental removal, abortion, and curettage after a cesarean or repeated D&C could be ideally studied to diagnose a possible PPI. For patients with high-risk antecedents or unsure ultrasound, a T2 weight MRI is always recommended. Performing comprehensive surgical staging in PAS allows the efficient diagnosis of PPI before using some procedures.

Desenlaces maternos según el tipo de placenta previa en un hospital de alta complejidad en Cali, Colombia. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Maternal outcomes according to the type of placenta previa in a high complexity hospital in Cali, Colombia. Retrospective cohort study

Objetivos: Describir la frecuencia de complicaciones maternas en mujeres gestantes con placenta previa (PP) mayor o menor y evaluar una posible asociación entre tipo de PP y la presencia de hemorragia materna severa y otros resultados maternos asociados. Materiales y métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva, descriptiva. Se incluyeron gestantes con 20 semanas o más de embarazo, con diagnóstico confirmado de placenta previa, quienes fueron atendidas en un hospital de alto nivel de complejidad localizado en Cali (Colombia), entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2020. Se excluyeron las gestantes con diagnóstico de placenta previa y acretismo placentario concomitante. Las variables recolectadas fueron: edad materna, índice de masa corporal, tabaquismo, obesidad, paridad, presencia de sangrado, hemorragia posparto, manejo de la hemorragia posparto, transfusión y admisión a UCI de la gestante. Se realizó análisis descriptivo. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética de la Fundación Valle de Lili. Resultados: 146 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La población estuvo constituida por mujeres con una mediana de edad de 32 años, sin antecedente quirúrgico, con diagnóstico prenatal de placenta previa a la semana 22. En el 70,5 % de los casos se trató de pacientes con placenta previa mayor. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron hemorragia posparto (37,9 % vs. 16,3 % para pacientes con placenta previa mayor y menor, respectivamente), requerimiento de transfusión (23,3 y 9,3 %, respectivamente) y el ingreso materno a la UCI (40,8 % vs. 18,6 %, respectivamente). No se registraron muertes maternas. Conclusiones: Las mujeres con placenta previa experimentan una frecuencia elevada de complicaciones; probablemente, dicha frecuencia es más alta cuando se documenta placenta previa mayor. Se requieren más estudios que comparen la frecuencia de complicaciones maternas según el tipo de placenta previa.

Objectives: To describe the frequency of maternal complications in pregnant women with major or minor placenta previa (PP), and to assess a potential association between PP type and the presence of severe maternal bleeding and other associated outcomes. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive cohort. The study included pregnant women with 20 weeks of gestation or more and a confirmed diagnosis of placenta previa who were seen in a high complexity hospital in Cali (Colombia), between January 2011 and December 2020. Women with a diagnosis of placenta previa and concomitant placenta accreta were excluded. The collected variables were maternal age, body mass index, smoking, obesity, parity, presence of bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, management of postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, and maternal ICU admission. A descriptive analysis was performed. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Fundaciónn Valle de Lili. Results: A total of 146 patients met the inclusion criteria. The population consisted of women with a mean age of 32 years, with no history of prior surgery, with a prenatal diagnosis of placente previa at week 22; 70% were major placenta previa cases. The most frequent complications were postpartum hemorrhage (37.9 % vs. 16.3 % for patients with major and minor placenta previa, respectively), transfusion requirement (23.3 and 9.3 %, respectively), and maternal ICU admission (40.8 % vs. 18.6 %, respectively). There were no cases of maternal death. Conclusions: There is a high frequency of complications in women with placenta previa, and it is probably higher in cases of major placenta previa. Further studies are needed to compare the frequency of maternal complications according to the type of placenta previa.

How to perform the one-step conservative surgery for placenta accreta spectrum move by move.

BACKGROUND: There are 3 treatment options for placenta accreta spectrum: cesarean delivery with hysterectomy, expectant management, and uterine-sparing surgical techniques. One-step conservative surgery is the most extensively described conservative surgical technique, and it has extensive evidence supporting its usefulness; however, few groups apply it, most likely because of the misconception that it is a complex procedure that requires extensive training and is applicable to only a few patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing one-step conservative surgery in 4 placenta accreta spectrum reference hospitals and provided detailed steps for successfully applying this type of surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a multicenter, descriptive, prospective study that described the outcomes of patients with placenta accreta spectrum treated in 4 reference hospitals for this condition. The patients were divided into those managed with one-step conservative surgery and those managed with cesarean delivery and hysterectomy. RESULTS: Overall, 75 patients were included. One-step conservative surgery was possible in 85.3% of placenta accreta spectrum cases (64 patients). Intraoperative staging and placenta accreta spectrum topographic classification allowed for the selection of one-step conservative surgery candidates. The clinical outcomes of the 2 groups were similar, except for the frequency of transfusions (81.8% in the cesarean delivery and hysterectomy group vs 67.2% in the one-step conservative surgery group) and vascular interventions (27.3% in the cesarean delivery and hysterectomy group vs 4.7% in the one-step conservative surgery group), which were both higher in patients who underwent hysterectomy. In addition, the operation time was shorter in the one-step conservative surgery group (164.4 minutes vs 216.5 minutes). CONCLUSION: One-step conservative surgery is a valid procedure in most patients with placenta accreta spectrum. It is an applicable technique even in scenarios with limited resources. However, its safe application requires knowledge of the topographic classification and the application of intraoperative staging.

Comprehensive surgical staging for placenta accreta spectrum.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze how precise the surgical staging is after prenatal diagnosis of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study that included 622 women diagnosed with placenta accreta spectrum who underwent surgery between 1 January 2000, and 1 January 2020, in public, private, and university hospitals in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prenatal diagnosis included abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds and T2-weighted MRI scans. Comprehensive surgical staging (CSS) was performed by dissecting the coalescence spaces of the pelvic fasciae, including the broad ligament and the colpouterine and retrouterine spaces. Once the compromised uterine wall (lateral, anterior or posterior) was identified, the characteristics of the lesion were evaluated. The lateral invasion was classified as type A when there was no placental tissue in the parametrial zone; type B when the placental tissue protruded laterally and was covered by serosa, and type C when the placental tissue included neoformed vessels. Involvement of the retrovesical space (anterior uterine wall) was classified as type A when no neoformed vessels and no firm adherence between nearby organs were present, type B when the retrovesical area partially adhered but the planes could be dissected, and type C when the lower dissection of the vesicouterine space was extremely adhered or impossible.The posterior uterine aspect was classified after exteriorizing the organ, with the placenta still inside. It was determined as type A when there was no evidence of placental invasion, type B when there was organ adherence or it showed a heterogeneous appearance of the posterior uterine wall above the peritoneal reflection, and type C when there was adherence to other organs or when the invasion or neovascularization was below the peritoneal reflection. RESULTS: CSS increases the efficacy of prenatal studies, including ultrasound and MRI, by up to 50%. The diagnosis of type 2 (parametrial) PAS or low retrovesical invasion implied an immediate modification of the surgical tactics, vascular control, or a specific type of surgery. Additionally, deep interfacial dissection allowed the identification of healthy uterine tissue, modifying the initial indication of hysterectomy for a conservative reconstructive procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive surgical staging of PAS proved to be an excellent tool for determining the extent and specific topography of placental invasion.

Relationship between the Prenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Acreta Spectrum and Lower Use of Blood Components / Relação entre o diagnóstico prenatal de espectro da placenta acreta e menor uso de hemoderivados

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical results of patients admitted and managed as cases of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) at a Central American public hospital and the influence of the prenatal diagnosis on the condition. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of PAS patients treated at Hospital Bertha Calderón Roque, in Managua, Nicaragua, between June 2017 and September 2021. The diagnostic criteria used were those of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique, FIGO, in French). The population was divided into patients with a prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of PAS (group 1) and those whose the diagnosis of PAS was established at the time of the caesarean section (group 2). Results During the search, we found 103 cases with a histological and/or clinical diagnosis of PAS; groups 1 and 2 were composed of 51 and 52 patients respectively. Regarding the clinical results of both groups, the patients in group 1 presented a lower frequency of transfusions (56.9% versus 96.1% in group 2), use of a lower number of red blood cell units (RBCUs) among those undergoing transfusions (median: 1; interquartile range: [IQR]: 0-4 versus median: 3; [IQR]: 2-4] in group 2), and lower frequency of 4 or more RBCU transfusions (29.4% versus 46.1% in group 2). Group 1 also exhibited a non-significant trend toward a lower volume of blood loss (1,000 mL [IQR]: 750-2,000 mL versus 1,500 mL [IQR]: 1,200-1,800 mL in group 2), and lower requirement of pelvic packing (1.9% versus 7.7% in group 2). Conclusion Establishing a prenatal diagnosis of PAS is related to a lower frequency of transfusions. We observed a high frequency of prenatal diagnostic failures of PAS. It is a priority to improve prenatal detection of this disease.