Morbidity associated with nonemergent hysterectomy for placenta accreta

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the morbidity of nonemergent hysterectomy for suspected placenta accreta. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of all patients who underwent nonemergent hysterectomy for placenta accreta at Tampa General Hospital from June 1, 2003 to May 31, 2009. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were identified. Diagnosis was suspected on ultrasound scanning in 26 women (6 women also underwent magnetic resonance imaging) and on direct vision at repeat cesarean section delivery in 3 women. All of the women were multiparous, and 18 women had undergone >= 2 cesarean section deliveries. Twenty-one women had a placenta previa, and 8 women had a low anterior placenta. Final pathologic findings revealed accreta (20 specimens), increta (6 women), and percreta (3 women). Mean total operative time was 216 minutes; blood loss was 4061 mL. Two women had ureteral transection (1 was bilateral); 3 women had cystotomy, and 3 women had partial cystectomy. Postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 5 women; 1 hemorrhage resolved after catheter embolization, and the other 4 hemorrhage required reoperation. CONCLUSION: Nonemergent hysterectomy for placenta accreta is associated with significant morbidity in the forms of hemorrhage and urinary tract insult.