Retained Products of Conception

Question 1

Retained Products of Conception

Answer 1

Pregnancy-related tissue (e.g. placental tissue or fetal membranes) remain in the uterus after delivery

Question 2

Risk factor for retained products of conception

Answer 2

Placenta accreta

Question 3

Presentation of retained products of conception

Answer 3

Vaginal bleeding that gets heavier or does not improve with time
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Fever (if infection occurs)

Question 4

Investigations for retained products of conception

Answer 4

Bloods

USS

Question 5

Management of retained products of conception

Answer 5

Evacuation of retained products of conception (ERPC)

Question 6

Evacuation of retained products of conception (ERPC)

Answer 6

General anaesthetic

Cervix is gradually widened using dilators, and the retained products are removed using vacuum aspiration and curettage (scraping).

Question 7

Complications of evacuation of retained products of conception

Answer 7

Endometritis

Ashermans syndrome

Question 8

Asherman’s syndrome

Answer 8

Adhesions within the uterus