Uterine Rupture Secondary to Placenta Percreta on Previa: A Case Report of Successful Management by Caesarian Hysterectomy

Abstract

Background: Placenta accreta is a general term used to describe the clinical condition when part of the placenta, or the entire placenta, invades and is inseparable from the uterine wall. Its incidence is growing due to the rising rate of cesarean sections and advanced maternal age on delivery. It is becoming the foremost cause of obstetric hemorrhage leading to significant maternal and fetal morbidity and even mortality. Rarely placenta accreta may lead to spontaneous uterine rupture in the second or third trimester. Case report: A 28-year-old woman gravida 4, para 3, was admitted at the maternity ward of Mendefera regional referral hospital, at a gestational age of 27 weeks due to vaginal bleeding. She had history of 3 time’s caesarian section. At admission her vital sign was stable and her complete blood count was normal, ultrasound showed anterior placentation with partial placenta previa. She was given Dexamethasone 6 gm. IM twice daily for 2 days to enhance lung maturity. At 36 weeks of gestation, she experienced massive vaginal bleeding. A decision was made to perform emergency cesarean section. The possibility of morbidly adherent placenta was considered. Intra-operatively, the placenta was found with engorged blood vessels under the rectus fascia with ruptured uterus and there was adhesion of rectus sheath with part of the uterus. A transverse uterine incision was made at the upper border of the placental attachment to uterus to deliver the fetus. After successful delivery of the fetus, the placenta was found to be densely adhered to the lower uterine segment, penetrating through it and adhered to the posterior wall of the urinary bladder. It was decided to do caesarian hysterectomy with the placenta left in situ. During discharge both the mother and the baby were in good condition. Conclusion: Placenta accreta is a potentially life-threatening obstetric condition that requires a meticulous approach to management. If a multiparous woman with a previous caesarian section is found to have placenta previa, the possibility of placenta accreta should be considered in the diagnosis of the patient. Grayscale ultrasonography is sufficient for the diagnosis of placenta accreta. The recommended management of placenta accreta is planned caesarian hysterectomy.