Hysterectomy for placenta accreta; methods for gross and microscopic pathology examination

Abstract

Purpose: Placenta accreta is an abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall. As the incidence of placenta accreta continues to rise, it has been useful to develop standard protocols for the diagnosis and management of affected patients. Pathologists have the opportunity to take an active role in evaluating these resource intensive protocols.

Methods: We describe methods of gross dissection, microscopic examination and reporting of hysterectomy specimens containing placenta accreta.

Results: This protocol facilitates retrospective correlation with surgical and radiographic findings as well as standardized tissue sampling for potential research.

Conclusions: Through regular review of such quality measures pathologists can give feedback on the quality of surgical planning and use of imaging.

Keywords: Gross description; Increta; Pathology evaluation; Percreta; Placenta accreta.