Planned conservative management of placenta increta and percreta with prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization and leaving placenta in situ for women who desire fertility preservation

Introduction The objective of our study was to demonstrate planned conservative management of placenta increta and percreta in a single tertiary center. Methods From April 2005 to July 2019, patients with placenta increta and percreta were managed conservatively at the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. The severity of placenta invasion was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After delivery of the neonate, prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed immediately. The placenta was left in situ and prophylactic antibiotics were administered during hospitalization. The patient profiles, outcomes, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Results Based on the MRI findings, twenty-one patients with placenta increta or percreta were included. With prophylactic TAE, the mean surgical blood loss was 854.7 ± 478.2 mL. The mean natural resorption time of residual placenta was 4.69 ± 1.65 months. Regarding maternal complications, 4 patients (19%) had delayed postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), 12 patients (57.1%) developed postpartum infections, 3 patients (14.3%) progressed to sepsis, 4 patients (19%) underwent surgical evacuation, and 4 patients (19%) underwent hysterectomy. No maternal mortality was reported. Main neonatal complications were prematurity and respiratory distress. Regarding fertility, 16 (76.1%) patients had return of menstruation, and one (4.7%) had a subsequent pregnancy resulting in a live birth. Discussion Planned conservative management with prophylactic TAE and leaving placenta in situ is feasible and safe for women with placenta increta or percreta who desire fertility preservation. Delayed PPH and postpartum infection are common complications after conservative treatment.