Emergency embolization of a massive life-threatening placenta percreta bleeding following delivery by Cesarean section

The rise in the number of Cesarean sections (CS) worldwide has increased the incidence of the placenta accreta spectrum disorders in the past years. About 5% of patients undergoing a CS develop placenta percreta. A 30-year-old woman, G2P1 with previous uncomplicated CS delivery had an elective CS delivery at 37w6d. The delivery was complicated by a substantial hemorrhage. On emergency laparotomy a placenta percreta was seen in the broad ligament, which could not be removed surgically. Embolization was performed with Gelfoam particles until stasis in the right uterine artery with placement of a coil. Patient discharge was 12 days after intervention. Emergency embolization is an effective treatment in bleeding complications due to placenta percreta at partus.