Post partum intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to placenta percreta

Placenta percreta is a serious complication of pregnancy. A 38-year-old nullipara presented at 25 weeks gestation with preterm labour. Spontaneous delivery was followed by retained placenta. During an attempt to remove the placenta manually placental tissue could not be distinguished. Initially, placenta increta was considered as the most likely diagnosis and conservative management was planned, but progressive shock emerged due to intra-abdominal hemorrhage and laparotomy was performed. Placenta percreta was diagnosed, followed by a supracervical hysterectomy. A review of risk factors, diagnostic tools and treatment possibilities is given.