The effectiveness of single ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation in managing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of single ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation in managing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 40 PAS patients between April 2017 and October 2021. All the patients received one session of HIFU treatment. Regular follow-up was done after HIFU treatment until normal menstruation returned and placental tissue disappeared. The patient's reproductive-related outcomes were obtained through telephone interviews.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time for the 40 patients was 30.50 (15.75-44.00) months and the mean placental tissue elimination time was 45.29 ± 33.32 days. The mean duration of bloody lochia was 13.43 ± 10.01 days, with no incidences of severe bleeding. Notably, Linear regression analysis showed that the residual placenta volume before HIFU was a factor affecting the duration of bloody lochia after HIFU (R2 = 0.284, B = 0.062, P = 0.000). The normal menstrual return time was 58.71 ± 31.14 days. One (2.50%) patient developed an infection. Two (5.00%) patients were subjected to ultrasound-guided suction curettage for persistent vaginal discharge for more than one month without infection. Notably, 7 of the 18 patients who expressed reproductive plans became pregnant during the 4 to 53 months of follow-up without placental abnormalities. The remaining 11 patients were on contraceptives.

CONCLUSIONS

Single HIFU is an effective treatment option for managing PAS. However, future studies on further treatment strategies to reduce complications and promote patient recovery after HIFU ablation are desirable.