Prophylactic perioperative hypogastric artery balloon occlusion in abnormal placentation

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate the technique of prophylactic balloon occlusion of hypogastric arteries in abnormal placentation. Five patients with suspected placenta accreta, placenta percreta, or placenta increta underwent perioperative balloon occlusion of hypogastric arteries after classic cesarean delivery and before hysterectomy with hypogastric artery ligation. Two patients did not require transfusions; of the three who did, the estimated blood loss ranged from 1100 to 4000 mL. CONCLUSION. We conclude that balloon occlusion of the hypogastric arteries is a safe and effective adjunct to cesarean hysterectomy in an attempt to minimize blood loss in patients with abnormal placentation.