Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Elective and Emergent Placenta Previa Operations

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare maternal and fetal outcomes between planned and emergent placenta previa operations. Methods: Patients who underwent cesarean section for placenta previa were included in the study between January 2018 and January 2019 at tertiary center, retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as planned cesarean delivery and emergent cesarean delivery. Maternal characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared. Results: Of the 84 patients with placenta previa, 36 (43%) were in the planned group, and 48 (57%) were in the emergent cesarean delivery group. There were no significant differences in the transfusion rates, operation time, length of hospital stay, hemostasis procedures, intraoperative complications between planned and emergency deliveries. Lower birth weight and higher neonatal intensive care unit acceptance were detected in the emergent cesarean delivery group due to earlier gestational week of delivery ( 34±2.4 vs. 36±2.3 p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in hysterectomy rates performed due to the placental accreata spectrum between the two groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, emergency cesarean delivery for women with placenta previa by an experienced multidisciplinary team in a tertiary center with adequate resources is not associated with increased maternal morbidity in terms of transfusion rate, hospital stay, and intraoperative complications. Planned cesarean delivery at 37 0/7 -37 6/7 gestational weeks may be considered in the absence of significant antenatal bleeding or other risk factors.