Conservative management of placenta increta with selective arterial embolization preserves future fertility and results in a favorable outcome in subsequent pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: To present a case of selective arterial embolization for the treatment of placenta increta in a patient with subsequent pregnancy.

Design: Case report and literature review.

Setting: Community-based hospital.

Patient(s): A 31-year-old G2P1 woman with placenta increta presenting with delayed postpartum hemorrhage.

Intervention(s): Selective uterine artery embolization.

Main outcome measure(s): Cessation of uterine hemorrhage, future pregnancy.

Result(s): The patient's uterine bleeding immediately resolved. She subsequently delivered a healthy neonate at term without recurrence of abnormal placentation.

Conclusion(s): Arterial embolization is effective for treating placenta increta in women who wish to preserve fertility. A review of the literature demonstrates a 76.9% success rate and an 11% complication rate.