We present the outcome of a relatively large cohort of women with suspected placenta
accreta who underwent prophylactic pelvic artery catheterization prior to cesarean
section. All pregnant women with suspected placenta accreta who delivered in one tertiary
center were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent an elective
cesarean section with prophylactic pelvic artery catheterization of internal iliac
arteries through femoral or brachial approach. Thirty women underwent prophylactic
catheterization; placenta accreta was clinically confirmed in 25 (83.3%) cases. Embolization
was performed in 23 cases (76.6%) and hysterectomy in 2 (8%). Median estimated amount
of blood loss was 2000 mL (500 to 9000 mL). There were no major catheterization-related
complications. Three women had a subsequent pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery by
cesarean section. Prophylactic pelvic artery catheterization and embolization in women
with placenta accreta is safe and effective in prevention of hysterectomy and should
be considered in woman wishing to preserve fertility.
Balloon occlusion - catheterization - embolization - hysterectomy - placenta accreta