Conservative Surgical Approach towards Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Disorders for Uterine Preservation
Abstract
Objective: We previously described a technique for repair of the
myometrial defect at repeat Caesarean section which increases residual
myometrial thickness thereby potentially reducing future niche-related
complications. Here we describe how this technique can be modified for
use for placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Design: Comparison of
surgical performance of the modified technique with peripartum
hysterectomy in women having repeat Caesarean delivery for placenta
accreta Setting: A two year retrospective case control study at a
tertiary unit in Singapore. Population: All women with placenta accreta
spectrum disorder between December 2019 and October 2021. Methods: After
delivery through the isthmocele women either underwent the modified
technique which comprised uterine exteriorisation, systematic placental
removal initiated from the posterior uterine wall, identification,
mobilization and apposition of the boundaries of myometrial defects and
repair or peripartum hysterectomy. Main Outcome Measures: Operating
time, estimated blood loss and complication rate. Results: Ten women had
Caesarean hysterectomy and ten had Caesarean section using the modified
approach. Age and gestational age at delivery were similar for the two
groups. Women in the modified technique group had had fewer prior
Caesarean sections and had a lower body mass index. Operating time,
estimated blood loss and need for transfusion were lower in the
myometrial repair group but without statistical significance and there
were no visceral injuries. There was one bladder injury in the
hysterectomy group. Conclusion: The modified approach provides an
effective alternative to peripartum hysterectomy with favourable
surgical profile and allows uterine conservation with restoration of
myometrial thickness.