Internal Iliac Artery Balloon Tamponade in Placenta Accreta: Outcomes From the Largest Tertiary Accreta Referral Centre in British Columbia

Objective

Placenta accreta syndromes are well-recognized risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage and are associated with significant maternal morbidity. Internal iliac artery balloon tamponade is an adjunctive procedure used to reduce blood loss at the time of Caesarean hysterectomy with variable results in the reported literature. This study investigated the outcomes of preoperative balloon tamponade at the largest tertiary referral centre for placenta accreta in British Columbia.

Methods

Women treated with Caesarean hysterectomy for histologically confirmed placenta accreta from 2003 to 2015 were identified through medical records. A retrospective cohort study was performed after categorizing patients by receipt of internal iliac artery balloon tamponade. Statistically significant differences in clinical variables were assessed using Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results

The study population included 24 women. There was no significant difference in the primary outcomes of estimated blood loss or number of units of blood products transfused. Among emergency cases (n?=?16), there was a significant reduction in the total number of blood products transfused (3.5 units vs. 15 units, P?=?0.04). Operative (P?=?0.003) and anaesthetic (P?=?0.0001) times were longer among those women undergoing balloon tamponade. There were no differences in intensive care unit admission, length of stay, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or operative morbidity.

Conclusion

Internal iliac artery balloon tamponade decreases blood transfusion requirements among women requiring emergency Caesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta. Balloon insertion in the operating room may be an important factor in ensuring efficacy of this procedure. Further studies are required to clarify the potential benefits of balloon tamponade in the elective setting.