Ultrasonographical Evaluation of Placenta Previa in Scarred and Unscarred Uterus in a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Objectives Placenta previa is characterised as the placenta implant in the lower uterine segment, wholly or partially covering the internal os. Uterine scars from surgical operations are a potential factor of placenta previa. The present study aims to estimate the role of ultrasound in determining the incidence of placenta previa in the scarred and unscarred uterus. Also, it aims to evaluate the types of placenta previa in the scarred and unscarred uterus. Methods This hospital-based, prospective, observational study was performed from September 2021 to August 2022 among patients referred to the Department of Radiology, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (FAAMCH), Barpeta, Assam. Written informed consent was obtained from the subjects. Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography methods were used to assess placenta previa. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) considering a p-value < 0.05 as significant. Results Out of the 517 subjects with bleeding per vagina, 41 (7.9%) were diagnosed with placenta previa by ultrasonography. The mean maternal age was 27.80 ± 5.36 years, and the most prevalent age group was 20-24 years (31.71%). The majority (70.73%) of cases had scarred uterus. The most prevalent placental position was fundo-body anterior. Complete placenta previa was present in 26% of the total cases in the present study. Conclusion The incidence of placenta previa in the scarred uterus was higher than that of the unscarred uterus. The high prevalence of placenta previa in women with scarred uterus necessitates improved monitoring and management to avoid disastrous outcomes.