Perioperative Prophylactic Bilateral Internal Iliac Artery Occlusion in Placenta Accreta: a Randomized Trial

Interventional radiology, including internal iliac artery occlusion, has been used as an adjunct in the management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). Retrospective studies have shown benefit in terms of reduction of blood loss. However, studies reported in literature vary widely in terms of the exact surgical procedure undertaken, in conjunction with the radiological intervention. The radiological intervention itself lacks standardization, occurring at different anatomical levels, ranging from infrarenal aortic occlusion to internal iliac or uterine artery. Furthermore, there have been reported cases of arterial thrombosis associated with arterial occlusion.

We sought to clarify the effectiveness of a standardized approach , where perioperative bilateral internal iliac artery occlusion is performed followed by bilateral ureteric stenting and caesarean hysterectomy. The control group would undergo the exact procedure, excluding internal iliac artery occlusion. Patients would be randomized but neither the patient nor surgeon could be blinded.

The primary outcome would be to demonstrate a three pint or greater reduction in packed cell transfusion. Secondary outcomes include a difference in estimated blood loss, additional blood product transfusion, unplanned additional surgical procedure, serious complications arising from internal iliac artery occlusion, total procedural time and early neonatal outcome.