High-intensity focused ultrasound versus uterine artery embolization for patients with retained placenta accreta

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the safety and clinical effectiveness of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and uterine artery embolization (UAE) for retained placenta accreta. Study designA retrospective analysis was performed on women who underwent HIFU or UAE followed by hysteroscopic resection for retained placenta accreta from January 2015 to December 2019 at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. ResultsA total of 63 and 31 patients who underwent HIFU and UAE followed by hysteroscopic resection, respectively, were analyzed. The baseline characteristics, including age, gravidity, parity, previous cesarean section rate, previous curettage rate, previous intrauterine adhesions rate, and delivery mode, were similar between the two groups. Vaginal bleeding was the major complaint in patients with retained placenta accreta. The number of hysteroscopy sessions, amount of intraoperative blood loss, and the length of hospital stays were also similar between the groups. No further hysterectomy was needed in either group. ConclusionBoth HIFU and UAE combined with hysteroscopic resection seem to be safe and effective procedures in cases of retained placenta accreta.