The Triple-P procedure as a conservative surgical alternative to peripartum hysterectomy for placenta percreta

The reported maternal mortality for morbidly adherent placenta ranges from 7% to 10% worldwide. Current treatment modalities for this potentially life-threatening condition include radical approaches such as elective peripartum hysterectomy with or without bowel/bladder resection or ureteric re-implantation (for placenta percreta infiltrating these organs), and conservative measures such as compression sutures with balloon tamponade and the placenta remaining in situ. However, both conservative and radical measures are associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The present article describes the Triple-P procedure which involves perioperative placental localization and delivery of the fetus via transverse uterine incision above the upper border of the placenta; pelvic devascularization; and placental non-separation with myometrial excision and reconstruction of the uterine wall-as a safe and effective alternative to conservative management or peripartum hysterectomy. (C) 2012 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.