Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Vol.04 No.16(2014), Article ID:52140,7 pages
10.4236/ojog.2014.416143

Efficacy of Tourniquet Application in Minimizing Intraoperative Blood Loss in Cesarean Hysterectomies for Placenta Accreta―A Comparative Study

Pushplata Sankhwar*, Shyam Pyari Jaiswar, Sujata Deo, Devyani Misra, Neha Negi

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India

Email: *sankhwar_pushpa@yahoo.com

Academic Editor: Yasam Kemal Akpak, Ankara Mevki Military Hospital, Turkey

Copyright © 2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY).

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Received 30 September 2014; revised 25 October 2014; accepted 21 November 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the effect of tourniquet application of intraoperative blood loss in placenta accreta cases undergoing cesarean hysterectomy. Materials and methods: Nine cases and twenty controls with USG and colour Doppler diagnosed placenta accreta with previous cesarean section were chosen to utilize this novel approach. These cases were planned for elective cesarean section followed by hysterectomy. The twenty controls underwent a classical cesarean section followed by total abdominal hysterectomy with the placenta in situ. Among the nine cases, after delivery of the fetus through upper segment cesarean section, a cotton gauze tourniquet was applied all around the lower pole of uterus. Hysterectomy was performed with placenta in situ. Abdomen closed after achieving complete haemostasis. Results: The average operative time taken was 85 ± 11.72 mi- nutes among cases and 98.25 ± 9.9 minutes among controls (p = 0.0039). Average blood loss was 1011.11 ± 99.3 ml among the cases and 1855 ± 222.95 ml among the controls (p ≤ 0.0001). Aver- age requirement of blood transfusion required was two units for the cases and five units for the controls (p = 0.0002). No intra-operative or post-operative surgical complications were observed in any of the cases whereas the controls reportedly had a few. All the mothers and babies were healthy at the time of discharge. Conclusion: The presence of placenta accreta is associated with major fetal and maternal complications. The technique of tourniquet application is efficacious in minimizing the intra-operative blood loss and surgical complications due to obstruction of opera- tive field by bleeding and also by preventing massive blood transfusion related complications.

Keywords:

Placenta Accreta, Post-Partum Haemorrhage, Tourniquet

1. Introduction

Placenta accreta is a potentially life-threatening obstetric condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach of management [1] . The incidence of placenta accreta increases in presence of placenta praevia with prior caesa- rean sections. [2] . Reported incidence of placenta accreta is nearly 10% in cases of placenta praevia and rises upto 40% in women who have an anterior placenta and ≥2 previous caesarean deliveries [3] . In a phenomenal study comprising 39,244 women undergoing caesarean hysterectomy, the incidence of placenta accreta was found to be 38% [4] . Diagnosis of placenta accreta during antenatal period allows skilful planning in an attempt to minimize potential maternal or neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal morbidity is reportedly less in cases with antenatal suspicion of placenta accreta who undergo scheduled delivery when compared with emer- gent delivery [5] .

In general, the recommended management of suspected placenta accreta is a planned preterm classical caesa- rean followed by hysterectomy with the placenta in situ since attempts at removal of the placenta may result in torrential haemorrhage endangering the patient’s life. However, a contingency plan for an emergency delivery should be developed individualizing each case [6] . Various precautions and techniques to reduce blood loss may be incorporated which include hypotensive anaesthesia, hemostatic sutures in placental bed and myometrium, stepwise devascularisation of uterus including uterine artery ligation, ovarian artery ligation, internal iliac artery ligation and embolization. Cesarean hysterectomy is a last resort to control intractable haemorrhage.

The most common cause of maternal mortality in cases of placenta accreta is massive haemorrhage and com- plications associated with massive blood transfusion. The average blood loss in cases of placenta accreta has been reported between 3000 - 5000 ml [7] . Most of the patients with placenta accreta require blood transfusion and some may even need massive blood transfusions. Reported maternal mortality associated with placenta ac- creta is as high as 7% [8] .

Tourniquet has well established role in vascular surgeries, myomectomies and other surgeries as well. We used the underexplored novel technique of tourniquet application in placenta accreta cases and got promising results to minimize intra-operative haemorrhage.

2. Materials and Methods

This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King George’s Medical University over a period of two years from July 1st 2012 to June 30th 2014. The study was approved by the local Ethical committee KGMU, Lucknow (07/2012). Twenty-nine subjects with prior scarred uterus and ultrasonography (USG) Doppler diagnosed placenta accreta were enrolled after critical evaluation with a detailed history and physical examination. USG findings of placental lacunae, absence of the retroplacental clear zone and interruption of posterior bladder wall-uterine interface on the gray-scale and colour Doppler findings of blood vessels crossing the tissue-interface disruption sites were presumed to be diagnostic of placenta accreta. The subjects were randomly allocated into the intervention and control groups. Out of the total subjects enrolled, every third subject was enrolled into the intervention group to avoid any selection bias. So, the subjects were grouped as 9 cases (intervention group) and 20 controls. The number of controls was twice the number of cases.

Preoperatively, routine investigations including haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (hct), urinanalysis, blood group, viral markers, liver function tests, kidney function tests, bleeding time, clotting time and platelets were done. The subjects were planned for cesarean hysterectomy under general anaesthesia after their written in- formed consent. Adequate blood was arranged pre-operatively. Surgery was performed by a team of trained and competent obstetricians. Abdomen was opened through longitudinal infra-umbilical incision to facilitate proper exposure and the extent of invasion was assessed per-operatively. Utero-vesical fold of peritoneum was opened and bladder pushed down gently as low as possible. Any adhesions between omentum, anterior abdominal wall or peritoneum were dissected (Figure 1). An incision was given in the upper uterine segment in midline or high transverse in lower segment if it was free of placental invasion, through which the fetus was delivered. Cord was clamped and baby handed over to the Pediatrician. The placenta was left in situ. In nine of the subjects (inter- vention group), the uterus was then exteriorized and a window of 2 - 3 cm was created on both sides in the broad ligament just lateral to uterine wall near the lower uterine segment. Clamps were applied on the cornual struc- tures on both the sides (Figure 2). Using cotton roller gauze as a tourniquet, it was passed through the broad li- gament window and thereafter the knot was tied in the lower pole of uterus as low as possible. Among the vari- ous options for tourniquet, we preferred the cotton roller gauze as it is easily available and has a firm grip over the tissues due to its roughness. This step hampered the uterine blood supply tremendously and controlled the bleeding from uterine edges and placental bed. The round ligaments were then clamped cut and ligated bilate- rally followed by tubo-ovarian ligaments (Figure 3). Utero-vesical fold was then further dissected using scissors and the bladder was pushed down. In two of the cases a second and in one even a third tourniquet was applied below the first one. This was required in cases where bleeding persisted from the uterine edges despite applica- tion of a single tourniquet due to loosening of the knot or, the first tourniquet was ineffective in reducing blood loss because of a broad lower uterine segment due to placenta praevia. The remaining steps of total hysterectomy were performed as usual. The specimen of uterus with placenta in situ was delivered out with tourniquet in place as seen in the photographs (Figure 4 and Figure 5). Abdominal drain was put as per need in three cases. Abdomen was closed after achieving complete haemostasis, instruments and sponges count. The amount of blood loss was calculated by counting and weighing the sponges used, weighing the clots that were removed and the blood collected in the graduated suction jar. All patients stood the procedure well.

Among the other twenty subjects (controls), after pushing down the bladder, the fetus was delivered by an upper segment or a high transverse section. The placenta was left in situ. This was followed by immediate exte-

Figure 1. Photograph showing the badly adherent uterus released from anterior abdominal wall and placenta increta in lower uterine segment.

Figure 2. Sketch showing the creation of 2 - 3 cm window in the broad ligament lateral to uterus and application of clamps on the corneal structures.

Figure 3. Sketch showing tourniquet passed through the window in the broad ligaments all around and tied tightly on to the lower pole of uterus.

Figure 4. Specimen of uterus with placenta increta in-situ and tourniquet tied over the lower pole of uterus.

riorization of the uterus and application of clamps for abdominal hysterectomy using standard procedural steps and precautions. Post-operative Hb and hct was done and further blood was transfused as per need. Parameters such as pre-operative Hb and hct, post-operative Hb and hct, post-operative fall in Hb levels and hct, duration of surgery, need of vasopressors and ventilator support and total duration of hospital stay were recorded for the in- tervention group as well as the controls. Statistical analysis was done by computing the mean values, Standard deviation and data was compared using the Student’s t-test. The results were considered significant when p value was <0.05 for the analysis.

3. Results

The nine cases undergoing cesarean hysterectomy using this novel approach were between 26 - 35 years of age, parity 2 to 5, and belonged to middle socioeconomic group. They had at least one previous cesarean scar and mean pre-operative Hb of 10.43 ± 0.69 gm% (Table 1). The control group was similar to cases with respect to demographic parameters (p > 0.05). For the cases, cesarean hysterectomy was done under general anaesthesia

Figure 5. Specimen of uterus showing three tourniquets tied around it at the lower pole of uterus in case of placenta accreta with previous three LSCS.

Table 1. Demographic profile and comparative comprehensive analysis of subjects.

a = Haemoglobin; b = Haematocrit; Note: *p < 0.05 = significant.

through midline incision. Operative time was 75 - 105 minutes. Amount of blood loss was between 85 ml to 1300 ml. Average post-operative fall in Hb was 1.85 ± 0.34 gm/dl and average fall in hct was 4.44% ± 1.33%. All cases required transfusion of two to five units of blood depending upon pre-operative Hb. One of the cases required vasopressors in the intraoperative period but was weaned off in the immediate post-operative period. None of the patients required ventilatory support in post-operative period (Table 2). Mean hospital stay was seven days with no major maternal complications. Neonatal outcome was favourable in all the cases. At six weeks postpartum both mother and baby did well in follow up.

Among the 20 controls undergoing cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta, the operative time was rec- orded to be between 85 - 130 minutes. The operative blood loss was between 1400 ml and 2500 ml. Average fall in post-operative Hb was 3.67 ± 0.92 gm/dl and in hct was 10.42% ± 2.94% (Table 1). Each patient required between 3 and 8 units of blood transfusions. Vasopressors were required preoperatively in two cases and intrao- peratively in three cases. Ventilatory support was needed in two cases (Table 2). One patient developed febrile reaction after blood transfusion. The mean hospital stay was 10 days and all the twenty cases were discharged in a satisfactory condition. One neonate died as a result of milk aspiration.

On comparing the cases and controls (Table 1), the results show a striking difference with respect to mean operative time (p = 0.0039), average intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.0001), need for blood transfusion (p = 0.0002), postoperative fall in Hb (p ≤ 0.0001), fall in hct (p ≤ 0.0001) and duration of hospital stay (p ≤ 0.0001). All these parameters were significantly lesser for the cases as compared with the controls. On comparison amongst the cases with one, two and multiple tourniquet, the results show a longer duration of surgery for those with multiple tourniquet as compared with a single one, however, the blood loss was relatively less in cases where multiple tourniquet were applied (Table 3).

4. Discussion

The present study involves 29 cases of placenta accreta diagnosed on USG and Doppler who were managed with preterm planned cesarean sections followed by hysterectomy. In 9 of these, intraoperative tourniquet was ap- plied in the lower segment and blood loss was compared with the non-intervention group. The subjects in both these groups were comparable with respect to age, parity and gestational age at the time of cesarean delivery (Table 1). Also, there were no differences between the groups with respect to Hb levels. All the subjects en- rolled had prior uterine scarring from cesarean sections or myomectomies and most had a low lying placenta (Table 2). A significant difference was observed regarding the duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative fall in Hb levels between the two groups (Table 1). All these were significantly less in the inter- vention group. The use of tourniquet for reducing blood loss has shown beneficial results. Not only was there a significant shortening of the duration of surgery owing to better visibility of the surgical field with less blood loss, the amount of blood loss and need for transfusion of blood and components was also significantly less for the intervention group. The overall result was a shorter hospital stay with better recuperation amongst the inter- vention group and reduced morbidity (Table 2).

Maternal mortality and morbidity are significant in cases of morbidly adherent placenta despite optimal plan- ning, transfusion management, and surgical care. As discussed earlier, the management of diagnosed cases of placenta accrete require a team of specialists inclusive of anaesthetists, obstetricians, urologists, intervention ra- diologists and neonatologists [9] . The recommended surgical approach for management of cases of placenta ac- creta is a planned preterm cesarean hysterectomy with the placenta left in situ [6] . A less radical approach or

Table 2. Risk factors and outcomes.

Table 3. Comparison of efficacy depending on number of tourniquets used.

conservative approach may be needed in women wanting to preserve fertility.

Minimizing the intraoperative blood loss is critical for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and various strategies have been explored and experimented for the same. Use of hypogastric artery catheterisation with balloon catheter occlusion has been associated with varied results. Although some investigators have reported reduced blood loss [10] [11] , others have reported no benefits [12] and even significant complications [13] . Till date, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of balloon catheter occlusion embolization to reduce blood loss and improve surgical outcome, but individual situations may warrant their use.

We have utilized the novel technique of tourniquet application to prevent excessive blood loss per-operative- ly in cesarean hysterectomies for placenta accreta which helped in reducing blood transfusion requirements, se- rious maternal morbidity and mortality. The results show a significant and definite benefit of tourniquet applica- tion in cesarean hysterectomies for placenta accreta not only by reducing the intra-operative blood loss but also by reducing the duration of surgery and thus maternal morbidity. This study is an impetus to further research on the use of tourniquet in peripartum hysterectomy. Having an established role in myomectomy [14] , we can con- clude that this technique of tourniquet application might be helpful in desperate obstetric emergencies. This may be yet another way to reduce blood loss and a step forward towards decreasing maternal mortality.

5. Conclusions

Management of placenta accreta is a challenge for every obstetrician. A proper planning, competent surgical technique, availability of blood, team work of the staff, ICU ventilatory support are required at the tertiary care centre to save maternal life and also reduce serious morbidity related to massive blood loss and transfusion. Our technique can be one such step to minimize the blood loss intra-operatively and thus in reducing the complica- tions of massive blood transfusion, decrease in maternal morbidity and mortality.

We acknowledge the antenatal women who consented to participate in the study. There is no conflict of inter- est among the authors.

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NOTES

*Corresponding author.