[The diagnosis and management in suspected retained placenta in the late puerperal period]

The aim of this retrospective study is to find out the reasons for RICU in late postpartum period and the reliability of methods for diagnosis of retained placental pieces. We investigated the medical records of all cases with RICU from 24th ours postpartum up to 2 weeks after it. The rate is 0.9% of all births. Hystological confirmation of retained placental tissue there are in 25% of cases. Our data shows that the anamnesis does not help in the diagnosis of retained placental tissue in late puerperium. Most often the curettage is undertaken because of hemorrhage and ultrasound data of retained placental tissue. At the same time the transabdominal ultrasound is of low diagnostic value for residua post partum. The febrility, the subinvolution of the uterus and the number of symptoms in given case are of no importance in the diagnosis of retained placental tissue. The suspicion in the integrity of the placenta after its birth is a reason for RICU in spite of well contracted uterus and lack of hemorrhage. As the diagnosis of retained placental tissue in late puerperium is uncertain the RICU should be undertaken after failed conservative management.