Objective: The management and surgery of placenta previa describe a challenging process that requires experience. It is important to decide on the timing of planned cesarean section in women with placenta previa, taking into account the balance between possible maternal severe bleeding and possible neonatal morbidities.
Material and methods: In the present study, the data of 349 singleton pregnant women with a diagnosis of placenta previa uncomplicated by placenta accreta spectrum were analyzed. Patients who underwent planned (68%, n=236) or emergency cesarean section (32%, n=113) were divided into two groups. In this study, maternal demographic and clinical information, surgical procedures and maternal/neonatal outcomes were studied.
Results: The proportion of patients who underwent uterine compression suture and Bakri balloon was found to be significantly higher in the emergency cesarean section group compared to the planned cesarean deliveries group (p<0.001). The operation time, hospital stay, urinary tract infection rate, decrease in hemoglobin and need for blood transfusion were found to be significantly higher in the emergency cesarean section group compared to the planned cesarean section group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). In addition, a significant association was detected between emergency cesarean section and prematurity, low birth weight, low APGAR score, increased neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization and neonatal mortality.
Conclusion: Cases of placenta previa are at risk of emergency cesarean delivery, which can be complicated by poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Equipped centers and experienced teams are of great importance in reducing fetomaternal morbidity and mortality caused by placenta previa.