Sassoon docs save two pregnant women with life-threatening condition
Doctors at Sassoon General Hospital successfully saved two pregnant women suffering from rare and life-threatening condition called Placenta Accreta Spectrum
PUNE Doctors at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) successfully saved two young pregnant women suffering from a rare and life-threatening condition called Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS). Both women, under the age of 30, had a history of multiple caesarean sections, which led to severe complications during their pregnancies, said officials.
The first case includes a 25-year-old woman who was 33 weeks pregnant and was referred to SGH from a private hospital on March 20 after doctors detected placenta increta—a condition where the placenta deeply embeds into the uterine wall. She had a history of three previous caesarean deliveries and three abortions, they said.
While under observation, the woman experienced sudden, heavy bleeding at midnight, requiring immediate surgery. Senior obstetrician at SGH, Dr Shilpa Naik with a team of specialists, including interventional radiologists, surgeons, anaesthetists, and blood bank officers used a life-saving technique called prophylactic aortic balloon placement. The procedure was performed on the same day by interventional radiologist, Dr Kiran Naiknavare, to control bleeding during the surgery.
A caesarean section was performed, delivering a preterm baby. Since the placenta had invaded the bladder wall, a hysterectomy was necessary.
Senior surgeon, Dr Sarfaraz Pathan assisted in controlling bladder bleeding and dissection. The patient received seven units of blood and was shifted to the ICU.
“She was successfully extubated the next day, making a steady recovery,” said Dr Eknath Pawar, dean of BJ Medical College and SGH.
In the second case, a 29-year-old woman, 28 weeks pregnant, was brought to SGH on March 24 with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. She had undergone two previous caesarean sections and three induced abortions.
Doctors prepared for a planned surgery using the same aortic balloon placement technique. However, her condition was even more complex—the placenta was stuck not only to the uterus but also to the bladder. The surgical team, led by Dr Naik, with Dr Pathan and other specialists separated the placenta and performed a hysterectomy.
Due to the skilled intervention, the patient remained stable and did not require emergency life support. “She received 10 units of blood during surgery and is now recovering well. Both the patients will be discharged in a couple of days,” said, Dr Yallapa Jadhav, medical superintendent, SGH.
Dr Sanjaykumar Tambe, head of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at SGH, emphasized the need to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections to prevent such complications. “We must focus on reducing primary C-sections whenever possible to lower the risk of PAS,” he said.
Dr Naik pointed out that managing PAS requires a highly skilled medical team, advanced surgical techniques, and well-equipped ICU support. “A stitch in time saves nine—early diagnosis and a well-prepared team can make all the difference in saving both mother and child,” she said.