BACKGROUND: Complete (type 4) placenta praevia is a major cause of haemorrhage in Obstetrics. Uterine packing is an effective but underutilized life-saving intervention in situation of uncontrolled haemorrahage due to major placenta praevia. OBJECTIVES: To reappraise the effectiveness of uterine packing in the management of complete placenta praevia in order to popularize the practice. METHODS: Seven case series of complete placenta praevia were managed with uterine packing in Enugu, Nigeria between January 2, 2012 and February 28, 2013. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Previous Caesarean delivery (85.71%) was the commonest identified risk factor for complete placenta praevia. Uterine packing was effective in preventing blood transfusion in 57.14% of the cases, and further post-operative intervention in 85.71%.Peripartum hysterectomy and maternal death were 100% avoidable. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine packing is an effective life-saving intervention in management of complete placenta praevia. The technique should be considered whenever there is uncontrollable haemorrage following complete placenta praevia.
BACKGROUND: Complete (type 4) placenta praevia is a major cause of haemorrhage in Obstetrics. Uterine packing is an effective but underutilized life-saving intervention in situation of uncontrolled haemorrahage due to major placenta praevia. OBJECTIVES: To reappraise the effectiveness of uterine packing in the management of complete placenta praevia in order to popularize the practice. METHODS: Seven case series of complete placenta praevia were managed with uterine packing in Enugu, Nigeria between January 2, 2012 and February 28, 2013. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Previous Caesarean delivery (85.71%) was the commonest identified risk factor for complete placenta praevia. Uterine packing was effective in preventing blood transfusion in 57.14% of the cases, and further post-operative intervention in 85.71%.Peripartum hysterectomy and maternal death were 100% avoidable. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine packing is an effective life-saving intervention in management of complete placenta praevia. The technique should be considered whenever there is uncontrollable haemorrage following complete placenta praevia.