Uterine Artery Embolisation: A Saviour for Central Placenta Previa

Abstract

Central placenta previa is generally managed by caesarean section, uterotonic drugs, hemostatic sutures, and hemostatic balloon tamponade, and it usually ends in peripartum hysterectomy, with an incidence of 4% along with an increased incidence of maternal and neonatal morbidity or mortality. Selective uterine artery embolization (UAE) helps to prevent these complications while preserving future fertility. A 32-yearold patient was diagnosed as a case of a previous section with central placenta previa with accreta at 38 weeks and was planned for an elective caesarean section. A prophylactic selective bilateral internal iliac artery cannulation under sonographic guidance and subsequent cannulation and embolisation of bilateral uterine arteries under fluoroscopic guidance was done. It reduced the massive blood transfusions and operative time, preserved fertility without any maternal or foetal morbidity or mortality, and no other complications were reported.