In placenta previa cases, abundant blood flow enters the uterus not only from the
internal iliac artery but also via anastomosis of the external iliac artery, interior
mesenteric artery, lumbar artery, median sacral artery, etc. Therefore, it is difficult
to control bleeding; arterial ligation exerts a poor hemostatic effect. It is necessary
to understand various hemostatic procedures, damage control surgery and resuscitation
for massive hemorrhage, and systemic management. Placenta increta and percreta are
diagnosed by ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), and cystoscopy, etc. However, it is difficult to obtain a definitive diagnosis
of placenta accreta.
In cases of placenta previa with previous cesarean section, the operation should be
performed in a tertiary medical facility with sufficient staff and blood available
for transfusion. Preoperative placement of intra-arterial balloon occlusion catheter
in the common iliac artery or the aorta is useful for the prevention of massive hemorrhage.
In cases with placenta previa accrete spectrum, procedures following cesarean section
include hysterectomy, preservation of the uterus with hemostasis of the placental
separation surface, conservative treatment while leaving the placenta in situ, and
delayed hysterectomy. Massive hemorrhage occurs at the placental separation surface
(spontaneous separation and manual separation) and around the bladder (placenta percreta
and placenta increta).
Cesarean Section for Placenta Previa
-
Laparotomy
↓
-
Incision in the peritoneum of the vesicouterine pouch and separation of the bladder
↓
-
Transverse incision on the uterine lower segment or the lower uterine corpus
↓
-
Delivery of the fetus
↓
-
Separation of the placenta and uterotonic medication
↓
-
Hemostasis of the placental separation surface and myometrial suture
↓
-
Abdominal closure
Risk Factors for Placenta Accrete Spectrum
Placenta previa with a prior cesarean section is a high risk for placenta accreta
spectrum ([Fig. 1]; placenta accreta, increta, and percreta), that encompasses clinical adherence and
pathological findings, and a major factor contributing to maternal death.[1]
[2] Along with the increase in the rate of cesarean section, the incidence of placenta
accreta spectrum increased to 1 out of 2,500 deliveries in 1997 (10-fold compared
with that 50 years ago).[3] The frequency of placenta accreta spectrum in cases of placenta previa is generally
1 out of 2,065 cases, but it increases to 25% in cases with one prior cesarean section
and 40% in cases with two prior cesarean sections.[4] According to the report by Sumigama et al[5] in Japan, the frequency of placenta accreta spectrum in placenta previa is 1.1%
in cases with a first cesarean section, 37.8% in cases with one prior cesarean section,
and 38.5% in cases with two prior cesarean sections. In our institution, the corresponding
frequency was 41% for cases with one prior cesarean section and 54% for those with
two prior cesarean sections.[1]
Fig. 1 Pathological definition of placenta previa accreta spectrum. (a) Placenta previa accrete. Chorionic villi directly attached to the uterine myometrium
with complete or partial absence of the decidua basalis in a case with placenta previa.
Those conditions can be classified as total, partial, or focal adherence of the placenta
by the clinical and pathological findings abutting the myometrium. (b) Placenta previa increta. Chorionic villi invade deeply into the myometrium layer
in a case with placenta previa. (c) Placenta previa percreta. Chorionic villi penetrate myometrium into the uterine
serosa and the bladder, or perforate the uterine wall into the pelvic cavity in a
case with placenta previa. (Reproduced with permission from Takeda S. Cesarean section
for placenta previa and placenta previa accrete spectrum. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi
I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS NOW,
No.3. Cesarean section. (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115. Copyright ©
Medical View).
Preoperative Evaluation
The state of the cervical os, fetal presentation, position of the presentation, and
placental location should be confirmed by transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography
prior to cesarean section. Placenta previa cases, particularly those with previous
cesarean section, should be examined for placenta increta and placenta percreta by
ultrasonography, color-Doppler ultrasonography, MRI, cystoscopy, etc. ([Figs. 2]–[4], [Table 1]).[1]
[2]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12] Diagnostic imaging of placenta accreta can create many false-positive results, yielding
a low rate of accurate diagnosis. It is, furthermore, difficult to obtain a definitive
diagnosis of partial placenta accreta.[1]
Fig. 2 Findings of placenta increta by ultrasonography. A diagnosis of placenta increta
was obtained based on thinning of the myometrium, disappearance of the sonolucent
zone (a) and discontinuity of the blood flow in the myometrium (b). (Reproduced with permission from Takeda S. Cesarean section for placenta previa
and placenta previa accrete spectrum. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda
S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean section.
(Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115. Copyright © Medical View).
Fig. 3 MRI findings of placenta previa increta. The placenta is observed to invade the bladder
from the anterior wall of the uterus. (Reproduced with permission from Takeda S. Cesarean
section for placenta previa and placenta previa accrete spectrum. In: Hiramatsu Y,
Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures
OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean section. (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115. Copyright
© Medical View).
Table 1
Diagnostic methods and its findings of placenta accreta spectrum
|
• Ultrasonography
|
|
○ The presence of many low-intensity areas (placental lacunae) in the placenta; a
Swiss cheese-like appearance.
|
|
○ Loss of the low-intensity area (sonolucent zone, retroplacental clear space) between
the placenta and myometrium.
|
|
○ Irregularity and interruption of the bladder border.
|
|
○ Thinning (≤1 mm) of the myometrium, protrusion of the placenta toward the bladder.
|
|
• Color-Doppler and pulse-Doppler ultrasonography
|
|
○ There are diffuse blood vessels (lacunar flow) in the placenta with pulsating rapid
venous flow.
|
|
○ There are myometrial or subplacental blood vessels with pulsating turbulent venous
flow.
|
|
○ There are dilated blood vessels in the bladder and myometrium with arterial flow
showing a low resistance index.
|
|
○ Markedly dilated subplacental blood vessels with pulsating venous flow.
|
|
• Biomarker testing
|
|
○ Elevated α-fetoprotein levels.
|
|
○ Cell-free fetal DNA, placental mRNA, DNA microarray assay.
|
Source: Reproduced with permission of Takeda S. Cesarean section for placenta previa
and placenta previa accrete spectrum. In: Takeda S, Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi
N, eds. OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean Section. Mastering the Essential and Practical Surgical
Procedures. Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115. Copyright © Medical View.
Management of Placenta Previa Accrete Spectrum
Placenta previa increta or percreta and suspected placenta previa accreta (such as
in cases of placenta previa with prior cesarean section) should be managed and undergo
cesarean section in a tertiary medical facility.[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[6] In cases of suspected placenta accreta spectrum, the obstetrician should have a
good knowledge of pelvic anatomy, obstetric hemostasis and damage control surgery
for massive hemorrhage, and he should also be skilled in performing total hysterectomy.
In each case of placenta previa with/without findings of placenta accrete spectrum,
the operators should discuss about approaches of cesarean delivery, management for
placenta accrete spectrum, selection of treatment and prevention of massive hemorrhage,
and therefore, should make a final decision of surgical strategies for placenta previa
accrete spectrum ([Fig. 4]).[1] Preoperative preparation, including securing of staff, an anesthesiologist, and
sufficient blood for transfusion, is important in cases undergoing cesarean section
for placenta previa.
Preoperative Preparation
It is necessary to make sure that the patient and family understand placenta previa
and placenta previa accreta spectrum, to obtain their consent for possible blood transfusion
and that they comprehend the risks of massive hemorrhage and hysterectomy. Autologous
blood should be stored preoperatively to prevent allogeneic blood transfusion.[13] Sufficient blood for transfusion, autologous blood recovery system (Cell Saver),
and staff should be secured, and discussions with the departments of anesthesiology,
blood transfusion, urology, and obstetrics, as well as with the operating room staff,
should be conducted in advance.
The positions of the fetus and placenta should be confirmed by ultrasonography, allowing
the location of the uterine incision to be simulated. If total hysterectomy is scheduled
for placenta previa increta or percreta, preoperative ureteral stent or hemostatic
intra-arterial balloon occlusion catheter placement should be considered.[1]
Enhancement of Cooperation with Health Care Professionals
In-hospital cooperation and hospital-clinic cooperation are important for prompt and
appropriate patient transport and treatment. Discussions of the actions and measures
against massive hemorrhage and obstetric emergencies should be made on a regular basis
not only within the department of obstetrics but also with the departments of anesthesiology,
clerical work, nursing, blood transfusion, and critical care, and necessary actions
should be simulated within the hospital. It is necessary to understand actions to
be taken for critical hemorrhage and not crossmatched compatible red blood cell (RBC)
such as type O RBC and type AB fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), allowing consensus among
the departments concerned to be reached.[14] Cooperation between primary medical facilities and secondary and tertiary facilities
should be deepened. Feedback regarding cases should be provided to facilities from
which patients are transferred through case conferences or other suitable occasions.[1]
[2]
Explanation of Procedures
Laparotomy
A transverse skin incision may be used. If the field of view is narrow, the Maylard
incision should be combined with the Pfannenstiel incision. In cases of intrauterine
infection or rupture of the membranes, the use of a wound protector (Alexis) after
laparotomy reduces the occurrence of abdominal wall wound disruption and wound infection.
The peritoneum of the vesicouterine pouch is incised transversely and then the bladder
is gently dissected.
When there are many engorged blood vessels in the surface of the myometrium or in
the pericystic area, incision in the peritoneum of the vesicouterine pouch and separation
of the bladder should be avoided ([Figs. 5] and [6]). Making a transverse incision, an oblique incision, or a J-shaped incision in the uterine corpus is recommended, that is, preoccupation with
a transverse incision on the lower uterine segment is unwarranted.
Fig. 4 Surgical strategies for placenta previa accrete spectrum and its management.
Fig. 5 Findings of the anterior wall of the uterus in placenta previa increta. The site
of placental attachment to the anterior wall of the uterus is purpuric, and placental
blood flow is seen through the wall. It is apparent that there are many engorged blood
vessels, and that the placenta invades the area just beneath the serosa. No incision
should be made around this area at the time of delivery of the fetus. A transverse
incision in the uterine body, a J-shaped incision, or a transverse incision in the uterine fundus should be made at
a site sufficiently distant from the placenta. (Reproduced with permission from Takeda
S. Cesarean section for placenta previa and placenta previa accrete spectrum. In:
Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical
Procedures OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean section. (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115.
Copyright © Medical View).
Fig. 6 Placenta previa with previous cesarean section. Because of a prior cesarean section,
the bladder is elevated and adherent. Many blood vessels in the uterine surface around
the incisional wound and in area around the bladder are engorged. →: There are engorged
blood vessels in the bladder surface. (Reproduced with permission from Takeda S. Cesarean
section for placenta previa and placenta previa accrete spectrum. In: Hiramatsu Y,
Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures
OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean section. (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115. Copyright
© Medical View).
Contraindications of Placenta Manual Removal
The placenta should never be separated when engorged blood vessels are found in the
area of placental attachment to the anterior wall of the uterus with placental blood
flow visible after laparotomy and when a diagnosis of placenta percreta or placenta
increta has been made ([Fig. 6]).[1] Not only primary hysterectomy but also the conservative therapy or delayed hysterectomy
(the two-stage hysterectomy) should be considered.
Incision of the Lower Uterine Segment
To avoid excessive splitting, it is recommended that a knife be used for myometrial
incision, followed by the use of Cooper scissors to add any necessary incisions after
the maternal surface of the placenta is observed. In reference to the placental location
determined by preoperative ultrasonography, the incision should be extended in the
direction that reaches the amniotic cavity by the shortest path, and the maternal
surface of the placenta should be pressed downward to expose the bulging fetal membranes.
After rupture of the membranes, the fetus should be delivered while pressing the placenta
downward while avoiding placental separation. It is not necessary to deliver the placenta
first or to deliver the fetus transplacentally. In placenta previa cases in which
the placenta is mainly attached to the anterior wall, the myometrial incision should
be cut upward toward the right or left amniotic cavity, or a longitudinal incision
in the uterine corpus may be made in an area where there is no placenta.
Delivery of the Fetus
The fetus should be delivered promptly after the rupture of the membranes, and the
umbilical cord should be clamped to prevent anemia of the neonate. At the same time,
the first assistant should hold the bleeding site as well as both ends of the uterine
incision on the right and left sides with serrated forceps (At least eight pairs of
the forceps should be placed on the operating table; each pair should be disinfected
and ready for additional use) to achieve hemostasis to the maximum extent possible.
When there is massive hemorrhage, the uterine incisional wound located downward may
be unobservable and not possible to hold. In this case, the lower myometrial cut end
of one lateral end of the uterine wound should be held and elevated with serrated
forceps while aspirating blood, and the site of clamping should gradually be shifted
to the center by alternating the forceps.
When hemorrhage is severe, pressure hemostasis should be employed with two or three
rolled towels placed on the placental separation surface. A uterotonic agent should
be administered locally and intravenously to achieve uterine contraction. When bleeding
from the placental separation surface is severe, direct Z suture with 1–0 synthetic
absorbable thread, or U-shaped suture or enclosing suture interrupted suture piercing the myometrium, should
be performed.[1] If these procedures fail to achieve hemostasis, compression sutures such as a vertical
suture[15]
[16] or an arterial ligation should be used. If hemorrhage is minor, gauze packing or
uterine balloon tamponade is performed ([Fig. 7]); the gauze or balloon is removed transvaginally the following day.[16]
Fig. 7 Intrauterine balloon tamponade. If there is postoperative bleeding from the surface
of placenta previa separation or due to atonic bleeding, intrauterine balloon tamponade
should be attempted. Bakri, Fuji-metro, etc., balloons are available. After infusing
physiological saline, in quantities of 80 to 200 mL, into the balloon, gauze should
be packed in the vagina to prevent the balloon from dislodging. (Reproduced with permission
from Takeda S. Cesarean section for placenta previa and placenta previa accrete spectrum.
In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical
Procedures OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean section. (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115.
Copyright © Medical View).
Closure of the Uterine Wound and the Abdomen
The right and left ends of the myometrial incisional wound should be sutured by interrupted
or Z-suture, making sure that the thread is exposed to the uterine cavity. Caution
is necessary because the inner surface may be deeply cleaved. The incisional wound
is then sutured by interrupted suture with synthetic absorbable thread, while keeping
the endometrial surface consistent. A thick myometrium may be sutured in two layers.
Even when the bladder is separated, it is better not to suture the vesicouterine pouch;
the bladder may otherwise be elevated. After intraperitoneal irrigation with physiological
saline, the hemostatic status is confirmed, and a closed low-pressure continuous drain
is inserted into the Douglas pouch and the site of myometrial suture. Absorbable adhesion
barrier, such as Seprafilm is applied to the wounds on the uterus.
The fascia should be sutured by continuous suture with a monofilament loop thread
such as PDSII. Before performing subcutaneous suture, the subcutaneous wound should
be irrigated with physiological saline, followed by abdominal closure. If the subcutaneous
tissue is thick, subcutaneous suture or dermal suture with closed subcutaneous drain
placement, should be performed, and the skin should be closed with tape.
Measures for Uterine Hemorrhage after Cesarean Section
Uterine hemorrhage following abdominal closure after cesarean section may be due to
bleeding from the surface of placenta previa separation, atonic bleeding, bleeding
from the site of myometrial suture, or uterine hemorrhage due to disseminated intravascular
coagulation (DIC). If the bleeding is from the surface of placenta previa separation,
a hemostatic procedure using balloon tamponade is effective.[16] In facilities where arterial embolization is feasible, embolization of the uterine
artery or the internal iliac artery is indicated. In DIC cases, supplementation of
coagulation factors and platelets, along with these measures, is important.[16]
[17]
[18] If the above procedures have failed to control bleeding, laparotomic hemostasis
or total hysterectomy should be performed without hesitation.
Cesarean Section for Placenta Previa Increta/Percreta
-
Ureteral stent insertion and arterial balloon occlusion catheter placement
↓
-
Laparotomy and observation whether or not there are engorged blood vessels in the
area of placental attachment to the anterior wall of the uterus, with placental blood
flow visible as findings of placenta previa increta or percreta
↓
-
Incision on the uterine myometrium apart from placental attachment
↓
-
Delivery of the fetus and myometrial suture
↓
-
Initiation of hysterectomy or abdominal closure (conservative treatment while leaving
the placenta in situ or delayed two-stage hysterectomy)
↓
-
Hysterectomy: Cutting of the round ligament, incision, and exposure of the broad ligament
↓
-
Cutting of the ovarian ligament and the fallopian tube
↓
-
Incision in the posterior lobe of the broad ligament and confirmation of the ureter
↓
-
Separation and cutting of the connective tissue around the cardinal ligament, manipulation
of uterine blood vessels, cutting and suture of the sacrouterine ligament
↓
-
Cutting and suture of the cardinal ligament
↓
-
Separation of the bladder after interruption of the uterine blood flow. The bladder
located inferior to the site of adhesion is separated first from the lower uterine
segment and the vaginal canal (Pelosi method[19])
↓
-
Cutting and closure of the vaginal canal
↓
-
Drain insertion and abdominal closure
Approaches to Reduce Intraoperative Blood Loss
Placenta previa and placenta previa accreta/increta/percreta are known to frequently
be associated with implementation of hysterectomy after delivery. In connection with
these conditions, maternal death due to massive hemorrhage, DIC, multiple organ failure,
and the need for at least 20,000 to 30,000 mL of blood transfusion have been reported.[1] Along with the increase in the rate of cesarean section, it appears that the incidences
of placenta previa and placenta previa accreta/increta/percreta will rise ever further
in the future. Under the present situation in which placenta accreta and partial placenta
accreta cannot be diagnosed accurately, it is necessary to be well versed in hemostasis
by the balloon occlusion catheter technique, various methods of suture hemostasis,
and total hysterectomy procedures.
Intra-arterial Balloon Occlusion
Temporary intra-arterial balloon occlusion catheters have come to be used to avoid
massive hemorrhage in cases of placenta previa accrete spectrum with previous cesarean
section.[20]
[21]
[22] Because it is not possible to accurately diagnose placenta accreta spectrum, particularly
placenta accreta and partial placenta accreta/increta/percreta, measures against bleeding
should be prepared in advance. It is extremely difficult to control bleeding after
massive hemorrhage occurs, and ligation of the internal iliac artery by exposing the
retroperitoneal space and arterial clamping requires experience.
Therefore, it is useful to place an intra-arterial occlusion catheter in the common
iliac artery or the abdominal aorta preoperatively; once bleeding occurs, the balloon
will be inflated to block blood flow ([Fig. 8]). The balloon may be placed in the aorta, common iliac artery, internal iliac artery,
etc., but it has occasionally been reported that the placement in the internal iliac
artery is ineffective because of the abundant anastomosis between the external and
internal iliac arteries.[23] The aorta and the common iliac artery are recommended as the sites of catheter placement
([Fig. 9]).[20]
Fig. 8 Common iliac artery balloon occlusion. An occlusion catheter should be inserted from
the right or left femoral artery to the contralateral common iliac artery by means
of Seldinger arteriography, and how many milliliters of solution balloon inflation
are required to block blood flow should be checked. Likewise, another occlusion catheter
should be inserted from the contralateral femoral artery to cross the preceding catheter.
The catheters should necessarily be crossed because, if this is not done, the balloons
may be dislodged by arterial pressure during inflation. Inflation of a balloon will
not achieve complete blockage of blood flow of the artery because there is also a
contralateral catheter. Heparin 3,000 to 5,000 units should be infused intravenously
before inflation of the balloons to prevent arterial thrombus. Time of blockage should
be at least 40 minutes, possibly as much as 60 minutes. If longer blockage is necessary,
blood flow should be released once and then blocked again. Aortic balloon occlusion
uses only a single catheter, and therefore requires a shorter time for catheter insertion.
However, the range of blockage is greater, and the catheter is thicker. In the gravid
uterus, there is abundant anastomosis of the peripheral vessels of the internal iliac
artery, with inflow of blood from the external iliac artery and the lumbar artery.
Therefore, the hemostatic effect of balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery
on uterine hemorrhage is inconspicuous. Recently, the intra-aortic balloon occlusion
is more often used to prevent massive hemorrhage for cesarean section in a case with
placenta accrete spectrum because of a single catheter. The balloon occlusion technique
is applicable to gynecologic surgery; it is particularly useful for blockage of blood
flow in cases of myomectomy for giant cervical myoma, etc. (Reproduced with permission
from Takeda S. Cesarean section for placenta previa and placenta previa accrete spectrum.
In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical
Procedures OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean section. (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115.
Copyright © Medical View).
Fig. 9 Abundant pathways of collateral circulation to the uterus. Abdominal aorta. Lumbar
artery. Common iliac artery. Iliac branch of the iliolumbar artery. Iliolumbar artery.
Internal iliac artery. Superior gluteal artery. Inferior gluteal artery. Inferior
rectal artery. Inferior epigastric artery. Ascending branch. Deep femoral artery.
Lateral circumflex femoral artery. Ovarian artery. Inferior mesenteric artery. Lateral
sacral artery. Superior rectal artery. Middle rectal artery. Uterine artery. Vaginal
artery. Obturator artery. Medial circumflex femoral artery. Femoral artery (Reproduced
with permission from Takeda S. Cesarean section for placenta previa and placenta previa
accrete spectrum. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering
the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean section. (Japanese). Tokyo:
Medical View; 2010:102–115. Copyright © Medical View).
Other Approaches for Reducing Bool Loss
-
The internal iliac arteries should be freed to allow clipping.
-
Nelaton catheter should be passed through the bilateral broad ligament under the lower
segment of the uterus to make the lower uterine segment ischemic by tying.
-
Arterial ligation or local hemostasis such as U-shaped sutures, enclosing sutures, an interrupted circular suture, compression sutures,
and balloon tamponade, were reported.
However, these methods are not so effective for the prevention of massive hemorrhage,
especially during the separation of the bladder, in cases with placenta previa percreta.
Recently, embolization of the bleeding artery in the patient undergoing surgery for
placenta previa percreta was reported in a hybrid operating room equipped with a fluoroscopic
apparatus. This method might be useful for patients in whom various local hemostatic
procedures are ineffective, if it is available.
Explanation of Procedures
Preoperative Procedures
When the diagnosis of placenta percreta or placenta increta is made preoperatively,
an arterial balloon occlusion catheter (to be placed in the common iliac artery or
the aorta) and a ureteral stent should be inserted prior to surgery.[1]
[2]
Laparotomy and Delivery of the Fetus
A midline incision in the lower abdomen is recommended to secure the field of view
for hysterectomy and arterial ligation. When there are engorged blood vessels at the
site of placental attachment to the anterior wall of the uterus, allowing placental
blood flow to be visualized, or when a diagnosis of placenta percreta or placenta
increta has already been obtained by diagnostic imaging, a transverse incision in
the uterine body or in the uterine fundus ([Fig. 10]) should be made to prevent the incision from reaching the placenta and thereby causing
massive hemorrhage. Rupturing of the membranes, delivery of the fetus, and cutting
and ligation of the umbilical cord should be performed. Then, the myometrial wound
should be temporarily closed.
Fig. 10 Transverse incision in the uterine fundus (Kotsuji technique). A transverse incision
is made in the anterior or posterior wall of the uterine fundus, avoiding the uterine
horn and keeping a substantial distance from the area of placental attachment. When
the incision reaches the uterine cavity, the myometrium is held with two Kelly clamps,
and incised between the clamps to extend the incision. These Kelly clamps should be
kept in place at this site until the fetus is delivered and the myometrium sutured.
(Reproduced with permission from Takeda S. Cesarean section for placenta previa and
placenta previa accrete spectrum. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S,
eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS NOW, No.3. Cesarean section.
(Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115. Copyright © Medical View).
Cesarean Hysterectomy
In routine cases, the operation proceeds to total hysterectomy. However, if there
is no bleeding without spontaneous placental separation, it is also possible to provide
conservative treatment with the placenta left in situ or to delay performing the hysterectomy.
In contrast to cases undergoing a routine cesarean hysterectomy, the placenta adherent
to the areas from the uterine isthmus to the lower part of the uterine body shows
a potbelly-like bulging, and many engorged blood vessels can be seen in areas around
the bladder and around the scar from prior cesarean section. In some cases, the anterior
surface of the uterus and the site of placental attachment are purple to dark red,
and the placenta is translucent ([Fig. 11]). The bladder is often elevated because of the prior cesarean section. For total
hysterectomy, the operator should avoid vascular injury, ligating veins whenever possible,
and pay attention to intraoperative uterine hemorrhage from the blood flow via the
vagina and the bladder.
Fig. 11 Surgical specimen of the uterus with placenta percreta. The fetus was delivered by
transverse incision in the uterine fundus. The lower part of the uterus was enlarged,
showing a potbelly-like protrusion, in a broad range due to placental attachment.
The ureter was located extremely close to the uterus. From the time of separation
of the bladder, blood flow was blocked twice for 30 minutes with a balloon occlusion
catheter to perform total hysterectomy. The placenta was exposed in the area of bladder
separation, leading to a pathological diagnosis of placenta percreta. The amount of
intraoperative bleeding was 1,500 mL. Autologous blood alone, a quantity of 500 mL,
was transfused, and the surgery was completed. (a) Anterior uterine view; (b) Posterior uterine view. The posterior uterine walls were cut to open the uterine
cavity. See the placenta to invade into the anterior uterine lower segment around
the cesarean section scar. (Reproduced with permission from Takeda S. Cesarean section
for placenta previa and placenta previa accrete spectrum. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi
I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS NOW,
No.3. Cesarean section. (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010:102–115. Copyright ©
Medical View).
Cutting of the Round Ligament and Incision and Exposure of the Broad Ligament of the
Uterus
The round ligament of the uterus and the ovarian ligament should be held bilaterally
with a long straight Kocher clamp to elevate the uterus. After picking up the round
ligament with Pean forceps, its medial side and lateral side should be ligated with
absorbable thread, followed by cutting between the two. The lateral side should be
processed by applying a double ligature. While pulling up the ligature, the peritoneum
of the anterior lobe of the broad ligament should be incised in the directions toward
the infundibulopelvic ligament and toward the bladder to expose the retroperitoneal
space. At this time, the infundibulopelvic ligament should be traced cranially to
identify the ureter.
Cutting of the Ovarian Ligament and the Fallopian Tube
The peritoneum in the vicinity of the cut end of the round ligament should be incised
in the direction toward the ovarian ligament, and the vascular plexus in areas around
the tube and the ovary should be identified. A hole should be created and expanded
with a Kelly clamp in the posterior lobe of the nonvascular broad ligament located
inferior to the vascular plexus. The ovarian ligament and the tube should be clamped
with serrated forceps and cut between the forceps on the uterine side. The lateral
cut end should be sutured employing a figure-eight suture or interrupted suture. Because
this procedure involves focused ligation, it is necessary to use the double ligature
technique to prevent loosening. If the cut end is close to the suture thread, Kobayashi's
ligation (vertical Z suture)[24] should be added. When the cut end is broad, or when there are engorged blood vessels,
the tube and the ovarian ligament should be ligated and cut separately. Recently tubectomy
is performed for prophylaxis of the tubal origin ovarian cancer.
Incision in the Anterior and Posterior Lobe of the Broad Ligament
The course of the ureter should be carefully assessed in all cases. Such assessment
is easy if a ureteral stent is in place. If adhesion is severe, and the peritoneum
of the vesicouterine pouch is not clearly identifiable, it should be left untouched.
The bladder should not be separated until the final stage.
Cutting and Suturing of the Cardinal Ligament
The connective tissue around the cardinal ligament should be separated and cut, followed
by identification of uterine blood vessels, confirmation of the route of the ureter,
and cutting and ligation of the ascending branches of the uterine artery and vein.
Then, the sacrouterine ligament should be cut and sutured.
The lower part of the uterus shows a potbelly-like bulging; the cardinal ligament
is broad and elongated, and, therefore, caution is necessary to avoid excessive cutting
([Figs. 10] and [11]). Because the ureter is located extremely close to the uterus, the course of the
ureter should be checked, or the stent should be confirmed. For cutting of the cardinal
ligament (parametrium), the ligament should be clamped on the uterine side as well,
to prevent bleeding on the uterine side. The cutting and suturing procedure of the
cardinal ligament should be performed in at least three steps. Because the bladder
is not yet separated, the cutting and suturing of the cardinal ligament should be
advanced while separating the bladder and the connective tissue in the anterior portion
of the cardinal ligament.
Separation of the Bladder
When there is bleeding around the bladder or massive uterine hemorrhage, blood flow
should be blocked by the occlusion catheter as needed. If there is no bleeding, blockage
of the blood flow is performed before separation of the bladder. Blockage should be
maintained for not more than 40 minutes to 1 hour. If a blockage over an extended
time period is necessary, blood flow blockage should be released once followed by
reinstitution of the blockage.
If the blood flow of the common iliac artery or aorta (flow to the lower limbs) is
to be blocked, unfractionated heparin 3,000 to 5,000 units (60–100 units/kg) should
be infused intravenously in advance.
When separating the bladder, the site of placenta percreta and the site of adhesion
should be left untouched, and the separating procedure should begin with a lower part
of the bladder (Pelosi method).[19] The space between the bladder and the lower uterine segment should be separated.
After a penetration passage is formed like a tunnel between the right and left sides,
the vaginal wall and the remaining parametrium should be held with serrated large
curved forceps to block blood flow from the vagina ([Fig. 12]).
Fig. 12 Pelosi method. When blood flow cannot be blocked after a major part of the cardinal
ligament is cut or when adhesions are extensive in placenta percreta cases, separation
of the bladder should be performed in the last step. First, manual separation between
the nonadherent vaginal wall under the placenta percreta and the lower part of the
bladder should be performed to make a tunnel. The vaginal wall should be held with
large curved forceps from the right and left sides, and the blood flow from the vagina
should be blocked. Finally, the bladder is separated from the uterus. The area of
adhesion. Bladder. (Reproduced with permission from Takeda S, Murayama Y. Cesarean
hysterectomy for placenta previa accrete spectrum. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi
N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS NOW, No.9. Surgery
for pregnancy with placenta previa and placenta accrete: Careful preparation and critical
management. (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2012:122–133. Copyright © Medical View).
When cutting the adhesion between the bladder and the uterus using an electric cautery
tool or other equipment, it is helpful to elevate the bladder to add tension to the
site of incision. In cases of complete placenta percreta with hematuria, opening the
bladder lumen is helpful. Even if the placenta comes out of the uterine wall, bleeding
inside the uterus is predominant, and therefore, the separating procedure should be
performed without hesitation. Bleeding from the bladder separation surface is often
severe, and the bleeding area should be sutured and reinforced with 3–0 absorbable
thread in a covering manner. If the bladder lumen is open, double layer suture should
be used.
Cutting and Closure of the Vaginal Canal
After the bladder is separated, the anterior vaginal wall should be cut, and the uterus
then excised. The vaginal wall should be closed by Z suture or simple ligation. Because
blood flow of the external iliac artery system via the cardinal ligament is extremely
abundant, strict hemostasis is necessary.
Drain Insertion and Abdominal Closure
After intraperitoneal irrigation, a drain should be placed in the Douglas pouch. The
pelvic peritoneum may be left open. An adhesion preventing material such as Seprafilm
should be applied to the pelvic floor and under the abdominal wall, and the abdominal
incision wound should then be closed.
Special Occasions
Delayed Hysterectomy (The Two-Stage Hysterectomy)
In cesarean section cases, if the placenta does not separate spontaneously, and there
is no bleeding, the surgery can be completed with the placenta left in situ without
trying vigorously to separate it. The placenta may be separated at the second stage
after blood flow into the placenta is reduced, or the amount of bleeding may be decreased
by scheduled delayed hysterectomy.[1]
[2] In these cases, embolization of the internal iliac artery or the uterine artery
prior to the two-stage operation reportedly leads to a decrease in the amount of bleeding.[5] Delayed hysterectomy has a drawback since, even if scheduled, it cannot be performed
in cases in which the placenta has been separated, and hemorrhage has occurred, during
cesarean section.
Conservative Management of Placenta Increta/Percreta
The uterus can be preserved under the conditions that the placenta is not separated,
and there is no hemorrhage, during the cesarean section. After abdominal closure is
performed with the placenta left in situ, spontaneous separation of the placenta can
be anticipated.[25]
[26] In any event, patients should be informed in advance of the risk of massive hemorrhage
and complications such as sepsis due to infection.
Obstetric Damage Control
Hemostasis often cannot be achieved promptly in cases of massive hemorrhage during
cesarean section, accompanied by DIC. In such obstetric cases with DIC, particularly
in the presence of hypothermia, acidosis, and vasopressor requirement, damage control
surgery (DCS) and resuscitation, which represent the therapeutic concept of life-saving
intervention for severe trauma should be performed because ordinary hemostatic procedures
such as sutures, ligation, and coagulation, etc., are not effective and bleeding persists.[17]
[18] To treat this condition, first, towel packing of the abdomen or the whole pelvis
should be performed to provide pressure hemostasis as a part of the DCS, stopping
surgical procedures, and pressing on the abdominal aorta temporarily by hands. Second,
the patient should be warmed up to keep in appropriate body temperature and be treated
with blood transfusion and “triple C supplement” such as combined administration of
concentrated coagulation factors and FFP promptly to obtain a blood fibrinogen level
of at least 150 to 200 mg/dL and to resuscitate the patient from shock and DIC and
to prevent maternal death.[17]
If possible, intraoperative insertion of intra-aortic balloon occlusion catheter could
be another choice. If coagulopathy is eliminated, the conventional hemostatic procedures
become effective. Thus, implementation of resuscitation while the surgical procedure
is suspended allows avoidance of hemorrhagic death.[16]
[17]
[18]
Treatment for Massive Hemorrhage and DIC
Massive hemorrhage during delivery and total hysterectomy to control bleeding occur
far more frequently during cesarean section than during vaginal delivery. Therefore,
it is extremely important for obstetricians to learn appropriate and prompt responses
to massive hemorrhage and DIC.[14]
[16]
[17]
[18]
It is necessary to make arrangements for securing of staff, division of roles, access
to the venous system, blood transfusion, testing, cross-matching, whole body management,
hemostatic procedures, recording data, etc., all to be conducted in parallel. Communication
among doctors, nursing staff, and clerical workers on a regular basis is important.
The results of blood typing and irregular antibody testing (typing and screening)
at the time of health check-ups for pregnant women are useful for emergency transfusion.
If there are no irregular antibodies, the physiological saline method is usually used
for cross-matching tests. However, in critical massive hemorrhage cases, blood of
the same ABO group is used, omitting the cross-matching test. If the blood of the
same ABO group is insufficient, non crossmatched compatible RBC such as type O RBC
and type AB FFP may be used. Infusion of approximately 15 units of FFP is required
for raising the fibrinogen level by 100 mg/dL. Transfusion of RBC and FFP should be
performed to achieve the goals of hemoglobin 7 to 8 g/dL or more, prothrombin time
70% or more, fibrinogen 150 mg/dL or more, and total protein 4.0 g/dL or more. The
platelet concentrate should be maintained at 100,000/mm3 or more.
Simulation Training for Obstetric Emergency
It is important to be familiar with emergency care and transfusion for obstetrical
critical hemorrhage and to run a simulation of the preparation and actions to be taken
in emergency settings. Such simulation training as the Japan Council for Implementation
of Maternal Emergency Life-Saving System (J-CIMELS) training should involve the whole
hospital, including not only the obstetrical team consisting of medical and paramedical
staff members but also the clerical personnel in charge of the arrangement of blood
transfusion, human resources, transfer of patients, and so on. Implementation of training
and realistic simulations on a routine basis in the actual clinical setting is extremely
important for ensuring prompt and appropriate responses to emergency cases.[27]
