One-step conservative surgery vs hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum: a feasibility randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum is a serious condition associated with significant maternal morbidity and even mortality. The recommended treatment is hysterectomy. An alternative is 1-step conservative surgery, which involves the en bloc resection of the myometrium affected by placenta accreta spectrum along with the placenta, followed by uterine reconstruction. Currently, there are no studies comparing the 2 techniques in the setting of a randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: We performed a prospectively registered multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing hysterectomy with 1-step conservative surgery. The aim was to collect feasibility and clinical outcomes of the 2 techniques in women assigned to hysterectomy or 1-step conservative surgery. In addition to assessing participants' willingness to be randomized, we also collected data on intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, serious adverse event, and other clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty women with strong antenatal suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum were assigned randomly to either hysterectomy (n=31) or 1-step conservative surgery (n=29). RESULTS: During a 20-month period, 60 of the 64 eligible patients (93.7%) underwent randomization. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that the clinical outcomes for 1-step conservative surgery were comparable to those of hysterectomy (median intraoperative blood loss, 1740 mL [interquartile range, 1010-2410] vs 1500 mL [interquartile range, 1122-2753]; odds ratio, 1 [1-1]; P=.942; median duration of surgery, 135 minutes [interquartile range, 111-180] vs 155 minutes [interquartile range, 120-185]; odds ratio, 0.99 [0.98-1]; P=.151; transfusion rate, 58.6% vs 61.3%; odds ratio, 0.96 [0.83-1.76]; P=.768; and adverse event rate, 17.2% vs 9.7%; odds ratio, 1.77 [0.43-10.19]; P=.398; respectively). In the subgroup of women with type 1 class on topographic classification, all participants allocated to 1-step surgery had successful outcomes, which were superior to those of hysterectomy. This was evidenced by the shorter surgery duration (median, 125 [interquartile range, 98-128] vs 180 [129-226] minutes; P=.002), lower transfusion rates (46.2% vs 82.4%), and fewer units of red blood cells transfused (median, 1 [interquartile range, 1-1.8] vs 3 [interquartile range, 2-4] units; P=.007). CONCLUSION: A randomized controlled trial comparing 2 surgical techniques for the treatment of placenta accreta spectrum is feasible. One-step conservative repair is a valid alternative to hysterectomy in the large majority of cases, but this can only be ascertained following intraoperative surgical staging. El resumen está disponible en Español al final del artículo.

Is There a Place for Family-centered Cesarean Delivery during Placenta Accreta Spectrum Treatment? / Existe um lugar para cesariana centrada na família durante o tratamento do espectro da placenta acreta?

ABSTRACT Objective Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a cause of massive obstetric hemorrhage and maternal mortality. The application of family-centered delivery techniques (FCDTs) during surgery to treat this disease is infrequent. We evaluate the implementation of FCDTs during PAS surgeries. Methods This was a prospective, descriptive study that included PAS patients undergoing surgical management over a 12-month period. The patients were divided according to whether FCDTs were applied (group 1) or not (group 2), and the clinical outcomes were measured. In addition, hospital anesthesiologists were surveyed to evaluate their opinions regarding the implementation of FCDTs during the surgical management of PAS. Results Thirteen patients with PAS were included. The implementation of FCDTs during birth was possible in 53.8% of the patients. The presence of a companion during surgery and skin-to-skin contact did not hinder interdisciplinary management in any case. Conclusion Implementation of FCDTs during PAS care is possible in selected patients at centers with experience in managing this disease.

Resumo Objetivo O espectro da placenta acreta (do inglês placenta accreta spectrum - PAS) é causa de hemorragia obstétrica maciça e mortalidade materna. A aplicação de técnicas de parto centrado na família (do inglês family-centered delivery techniques - FCDTs) durante a cirurgia para tratar esta doença é pouco frequente. Avaliamos a implementação das FCDTs durante as cirurgias do PAS. Métodos Estudo prospectivo e descritivo que incluiu pacientes com PAS submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico durante um período de 12 meses. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a aplicação de FCDTs (grupo 1) ou não (grupo 2), e os resultados clínicos foram medidos. Além disso, anestesiologistas hospitalares foram entrevistados para avaliar suas opiniões sobre a implementação das FCDTs durante o manejo cirúrgico do PAS. Resultados Foram incluídos 13 pacientes com PAS. A implementação de FCDTs durante o parto foi possível em 53,8% das pacientes. A presença do acompanhante durante a cirurgia e o contato pele a pele não prejudicou o manejo interdisciplinar em nenhum caso. Conclusão A implementação de FCDTs durante o atendimento do PAS é possível em pacientes selecionados em centros com experiência no manejo dessa doença.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Prenatal Diagnosis Performance: Are Ultrasound False-positive Results Acceptable in Limited-resources Settings?

OBJECTIVE: The immediate referral of patients with risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) to specialized centers is recommended, thus favoring an early diagnosis and an interdisciplinary management. However, diagnostic errors are frequent, even in referral centers (RCs). We sought to evaluate the performance of the prenatal diagnosis for PAS in a Latin American hospital. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study including patients referred due to the suspicion of PAS was conducted. Data from the prenatal imaging studies were compared with the final diagnoses (intraoperative and/or histological). RESULTS: A total of 162 patients were included in the present study. The median gestational age at the time of the first PAS suspicious ultrasound was 29 weeks, but patients arrived at the PAS RC at 34 weeks. The frequency of false-positive results at referring hospitals was 68.5%. Sixty-nine patients underwent surgery based on the suspicion of PAS at 35 weeks, and there was a 28.9% false-positive rate at the RC. In 93 patients, the diagnosis of PAS was ruled out at the RC, with a 2.1% false-negative frequency. CONCLUSION: The prenatal diagnosis of PAS is better at the RC. However, even in these centers, false-positive results are common; therefore, the intraoperative confirmation of the diagnosis of PAS is essential.

OBJETIVO: Recomenda-se o encaminhamento imediato de pacientes com fatores de risco para espectro placentário acreta (PAS, na sigla em inglês) para centros especializados, favorecendo assim o diagnóstico precoce e o manejo interdisciplinar. No entanto, erros diagnósticos são frequentes, mesmo em centros de referência (CRs). Buscou-se avaliar o desempenho do diagnóstico pré-natal para PAS em um hospital latino-americano. MéTODOS: Um estudo descritivo retrospectivo incluindo pacientes encaminhados por suspeita de SAP foi realizado. Os dados dos exames de imagem do pré-natal foram comparados com os diagnósticos finais (intraoperatórios e/ou histológicos). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 162 pacientes no presente estudo. A idade gestacional mediana no momento da primeira ultrassonografia suspeita de PAS foi de 29 semanas, mas as pacientes chegaram ao CR de PAS com 34 semanas. A frequência de resultados falso-positivos nos hospitais de referência foi de 68,5%. Sessenta e nove pacientes foram operadas com base na suspeita de PAS com 35 semanas e houve 28,9% de falso-positivos no CR. Em 93 pacientes, o diagnóstico de PAS foi descartado no CR, com frequência de falso-negativos de 2,1%. CONCLUSãO: O diagnóstico pré-natal de PAS é melhor no CR. Entretanto, mesmo nestes centros, resultados falso-positivos são comuns; portanto, a confirmação intraoperatória do diagnóstico de SAP é essencial.

Is There a Place for Family-centered Cesarean Delivery during Placenta Accreta Spectrum Treatment?

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a cause of massive obstetric hemorrhage and maternal mortality. The application of family-centered delivery techniques (FCDTs) during surgery to treat this disease is infrequent. We evaluate the implementation of FCDTs during PAS surgeries. METHODS: This was a prospective, descriptive study that included PAS patients undergoing surgical management over a 12-month period. The patients were divided according to whether FCDTs were applied (group 1) or not (group 2), and the clinical outcomes were measured. In addition, hospital anesthesiologists were surveyed to evaluate their opinions regarding the implementation of FCDTs during the surgical management of PAS. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with PAS were included. The implementation of FCDTs during birth was possible in 53.8% of the patients. The presence of a companion during surgery and skin-to-skin contact did not hinder interdisciplinary management in any case. CONCLUSION: Implementation of FCDTs during PAS care is possible in selected patients at centers with experience in managing this disease.

OBJETIVO: O espectro da placenta acreta (do inglês placenta accreta spectrum - PAS) é causa de hemorragia obstétrica maciça e mortalidade materna. A aplicação de técnicas de parto centrado na família (do inglês family-centered delivery techniques - FCDTs) durante a cirurgia para tratar esta doença é pouco frequente. Avaliamos a implementação das FCDTs durante as cirurgias do PAS. MéTODOS: Estudo prospectivo e descritivo que incluiu pacientes com PAS submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico durante um período de 12 meses. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a aplicação de FCDTs (grupo 1) ou não (grupo 2), e os resultados clínicos foram medidos. Além disso, anestesiologistas hospitalares foram entrevistados para avaliar suas opiniões sobre a implementação das FCDTs durante o manejo cirúrgico do PAS. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 13 pacientes com PAS. A implementação de FCDTs durante o parto foi possível em 53,8% das pacientes. A presença do acompanhante durante a cirurgia e o contato pele a pele não prejudicou o manejo interdisciplinar em nenhum caso. CONCLUSãO: A implementação de FCDTs durante o atendimento do PAS é possível em pacientes selecionados em centros com experiência no manejo dessa doença.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Prenatal Diagnosis Performance: Are Ultrasound False-positive Results Acceptable in Limited-resources Settings? / Desempenho do diagnóstico pré-natal do espectro da placenta acreta: Os resultados falso-positivos do ultrassom são aceitáveis em ambientes com recursos limitados?

Abstract Objective The immediate referral of patients with risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) to specialized centers is recommended, thus favoring an early diagnosis and an interdisciplinary management. However, diagnostic errors are frequent, even in referral centers (RCs). We sought to evaluate the performance of the prenatal diagnosis for PAS in a Latin American hospital. Methods A retrospective descriptive study including patients referred due to the suspicion of PAS was conducted. Data from the prenatal imaging studies were compared with the final diagnoses (intraoperative and/or histological). Results A total of 162 patients were included in the present study. The median gestational age at the time of the first PAS suspicious ultrasound was 29 weeks, but patients arrived at the PAS RC at 34 weeks. The frequency of false-positive results at referring hospitals was 68.5%. Sixty-nine patients underwent surgery based on the suspicion of PAS at 35 weeks, and there was a 28.9% false-positive rate at the RC. In 93 patients, the diagnosis of PAS was ruled out at the RC, with a 2.1% false-negative frequency. Conclusion The prenatal diagnosis of PAS is better at the RC. However, even in these centers, false-positive results are common; therefore, the intraoperative confirmation of the diagnosis of PAS is essential.

Resumo Objetivo Recomenda-se o encaminhamento imediato de pacientes com fatores de risco para espectro placentário acreta (PAS, na sigla em inglês) para centros especializados, favorecendo assim o diagnóstico precoce e o manejo interdisciplinar. No entanto, erros diagnósticos são frequentes, mesmo em centros de referência (CRs). Buscou-se avaliar o desempenho do diagnóstico pré-natal para PAS em um hospital latino-americano. Métodos Um estudo descritivo retrospectivo incluindo pacientes encaminhados por suspeita de SAP foi realizado. Os dados dos exames de imagem do pré-natal foram comparados com os diagnósticos finais (intraoperatórios e/ou histológicos). Resultados Foram incluídos 162 pacientes no presente estudo. A idade gestacional mediana no momento da primeira ultrassonografia suspeita de PAS foi de 29 semanas, mas as pacientes chegaram ao CR de PAS com 34 semanas. A frequência de resultados falso-positivos nos hospitais de referência foi de 68,5%. Sessenta e nove pacientes foram operadas com base na suspeita de PAS com 35 semanas e houve 28,9% de falso-positivos no CR. Em 93 pacientes, o diagnóstico de PAS foi descartado no CR, com frequência de falso-negativos de 2,1%. Conclusão O diagnóstico pré-natal de PAS é melhor no CR. Entretanto, mesmo nestes centros, resultados falso-positivos são comuns; portanto, a confirmação intraoperatória do diagnóstico de SAP é essencial.

Cesarean scar pregnancy, the importance of immediate treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is an uncommon entity, with high morbidity. Its diagnosis is difficult and delays in management are frequent. We report a series of cases of CSP and analysis of the differences in the outcomes depending on the moment of pregnancy in which they are treated. CASE REPORT: Twelve patients with a diagnosis of CSP. Seven of them were diagnosed and treated in the first trimester, often required more than one type of management, but were not transfused or presented complications. The five patients diagnosed lately in the pregnancy, always required cesarean section and emergency hysterectomy, with massive bleeding, transfusions, urinary or vascular complications. DISCUSSION: CSP can be complicated by abnormal placental invasion when pregnancy continuity is allowed. The ideal management is the termination of pregnancy shortly after the diagnosis is made. Our series highlights the diagnostic difficulties that lead to late treatment with frequent complications. CONCLUSION: It is essential to perform routine analysis of the site of implantation of the gestational sac in the first-trimester ultrasonography and the CSP suspected cases should be handled by interdisciplinary teams in experienced centers.

A systematic multidisciplinary initiative may reduce the need for blood products in patients with abnormally invasive placenta.

INTRODUCTION: The main complication of the abnormally invasive placenta is massive bleeding, with transfusions required frequently. We aim to evaluate the impact of interdisciplinary management on transfusion practices in women with abnormally invasive placenta. METHODOLOGY: Clinical outcomes of women with abnormally invasive placenta treated between 2011 and 2019 were reviewed, including transfusion frequency. Patients divided into three groups: group A (women treated before the introduction of interdisciplinary management), group B (women attended to by a fixed interdisciplinary group), and group C (women with no accreta prenatal diagnosis). RESULTS: Patients with prenatal diagnosis and attended by a fixed interdisciplinary group (group B) required fewer units of red blood cells to be prepared and transfused (median number of units, 0 versus 2 in group A and 3 in group C). CONCLUSION: The participation of an interdisciplinary group, with strict standards for transfusion, reduces the frequency of use of blood substitutes during the care of women with abnormally invasive placenta.

A multidisciplinary approach and implementation of a specialized hemorrhage control team improves outcomes for placenta accreta spectrum.

INTRODUCTION: The main complication of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is massive bleeding. Endoarterial occlusion techniques have been incorporated into the management of this pathology. Our aim was to examine the endovascular practice patterns among PAS patients treated during a 9-year period in a low-middle income country in which an interdisciplinary group's technical skills were improved with the creation of a PAS team. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cohort study including all PAS patients treated from December 2011 to November 2020 was performed. We compared the clinical results obtained according to the type of endovascular device used (group 1, internal iliac artery occlusion balloons; group 2, resuscitative endovascular balloons of the aorta; group 3, no arterial balloons due to low risk of bleeding) and according to the year in which they were attended (reflects the PAS team level of experience). A fourth group of comparisons included the woman diagnosed during a cesarean delivery and treated in a nonprotocolized way. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included. The amount of blood loss decreased annually, with a median of 2,500 mL in 2014 (when endovascular occlusion balloons were used in all patients) and 1,394 mL in 2020 (when only 38.5% of the patients required arterial balloons). Group 3 patients (n = 16) had the lowest bleeding volume (1,245 mL) and operative time (173 minutes) of the entire population studied. Group 2 patients (n = 46) had a bleeding volume (mean, 1,700 mL) and transfusions frequency (34.8%) slightly lower than group 1 patients (n = 30) (mean of 2,000 mL and 50%, respectively). They also had lower hysterectomy frequency (63% vs. 76.7% in group 1) and surgical time (205 minutes vs. 275 in group 1) despite a similar frequency of confirmed PAS and S2 compromise. CONCLUSION: Endovascular techniques used for bleeding control in PAS patients are less necessary as interdisciplinary groups improve their surgical and teamwork skills. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic care management, level III.

Embarazo heterotópico espontáneo con ruptura tubárica y choque hipovolémico. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy with tubular breakage and hypovolemic Shok. A case report and literature review

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Puesto que el embarazo heterotópico es poco común, representa un reto diagnóstico clínico y ecográfico que requiere un alto índice de sospecha. El enfoque terapéutico y la vía quirúrgica a elegir dependen de las condiciones clínicas y hemodinámicas de la paciente. Cuando las intervenciones son oportunas el embarazo intrauterino puede continuar y llegar a término. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente con embarazo intrauterino de 11.1 semanas que ingresó al servicio de Urgencias debido a sangrado vaginal, con signos clínicos de choque. La ecografía pélvica reportó, además del embarazo intrauterino, una imagen sugerente de embarazo heterotópico tubárico derecho y abundante cantidad de líquido libre. Se reanimó con hemocomponentes, laparotomía de urgencia, drenado de hemoperitoneo masivo. Requirió salpingectomía y resección del epiplón afectado, con buena evolución del embarazo intrauterino hasta el término CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento de elección del embarazo ectópico sigue siendo quirúrgico. La vía de acceso depende de las condiciones hemodinámicas de la pa-ciente. La laparoscopia es el patrón de referencia del tratamiento y la laparotomía es la opción cuando la laparoscopia no es posible por razones técnicas, logísticas, o por inestabilidad hemodinámica derivada de la ruptura tubárica.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The heterotopic pregnancy is considered a rare condition that rep-resents a diagnostic challenge both clinical and ultrasound requiring a high index of suspicion, the therapeutic approach and the surgical route will depend on the clinical and hemodynamic conditions of the patient, being able to achieve a successful conti-nuity of intrauterine gestation when timely interventions are made. CLINICAL CASE: Patient with a known diagnosis of intrauterine gestation of 11.1 weeks who was admitted to the emergency room due to vaginal bleeding, with clini-cal signs of shock and pelvic ultrasound that reports a suggestive image of right tubal heterotopic pregnancy and abundant free liquid. Resuscitation is performed with blood components and surgical management with emergency laparotomy, draining massive hemoperitoneum, requires salpingectomy and resection of omentum compromised, with good evolution and progression of intrauterine gestation to term CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of choice for ectopic pregnancy remains surgical. The route of admission depends on the hemodynamic conditions of the patient. Laparoscopy is the reference standard of treatment and laparotomy is the option when laparoscopy is not possible due to technical, logistical or hemodynamic instability derived from tubal rupture.