Direct puncture embolization of the internal iliac artery during cesarean delivery for pernicious placenta previa coexisting with placenta accreta.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate direct puncture embolization of the internal iliac artery with hemostatic gelatin sponge particles to treat pernicious placenta previa coexisting with placenta accreta during cesarean delivery.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of data from women with pernicious placenta previa and placenta accreta who underwent direct puncture embolization of the internal iliac artery during cesarean delivery at a center in China between September 1, 2013, and February 28, 2015. Information regarding surgical procedures, operative data, and outcomes during hospitalization were obtained from medical records.

RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all 16 cases included. Mean operative time was 78 minutes (range 65-90) and mean estimated blood loss was 1550 mL (range 1000-2500). Complications such as fever, buttock pain, or acute limb ischemia were not observed. The procedure was performed after partial cystectomy for two patients with bladder invasion. Postoperative Doppler imaging indicated uterine recovery and normalized uterine blood flow in all patients.

CONCLUSION: Direct puncture embolization of the internal iliac artery during cesarean delivery was a safe, effective, simple, and rapid method to control hemorrhage among women with pernicious placenta previa and placenta accreta.