Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of a standardized multidisciplinary approach using a modified surgical technique in the management of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP), with special reference to blood loss and the need for transfusion.
Materials and methods: Data were collected retrospectively in women managed with a recently adopted multidisciplinary strategy using a modified surgical approach, involving a urologist (study group: 10 patients). Women managed before the introduction of this standardized management served as a control group (nine patients). Comparisons were made between the study group and the control group. The main outcome measures were blood loss and the need for transfusion in the two groups.
Results: Standardized multidisciplinary management, involving a modified surgical technique performed by a urologist, decreased blood loss in the study group compared with the control group [median 1400 ml (range 400–3000 ml) vs median 8000 ml (2300–40000 ml); p < .001]. It also decreased postoperative complications and the need for transfusion of blood products.
Conclusions: Standardized multidisciplinary management of patients with AIP, using a modified surgical technique, reduces the risks of massive obstetric hemorrhage, the need for massive transfusion and the risk of postoperative complications. Involving an experienced urologist appears to be of paramount importance in the management of AIP.
Acknowledgement
We thank professor Ian Milson for most valuable help with linguistic revision of the manuscript.
Disclosure statement
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.