Retained placenta

Medium urgency
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Disease characterised by the presence of placental tissue or of the foetus remaining in the inner part of the uterus after vaginal delivery, caesarean section or abortion.

Symptoms are vaginal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain or pain of variable intensity.

Diagnosis is based on the patient's symptoms, laboratory findings (human gonadotropin hormone levels) and ultrasound.

Expectant management may be chosen, waiting for spontaneous resolution. In more severe cases, medical treatment with Misoportol or surgical treatment may be considered.

Bibliographic references
  1. Hershko Klement A, Frederic M, Bentov Y, Chang P, Nayot D, Haas J, Casper RF. Oral contraceptive pills as an option for non-surgical management of retained products of conception - a preliminary study. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018 Jul;34(7):609-611. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2018.1427714. Epub 2018 Jan 18. PMID: 29345165.
  2. Wang X, Chen C, Wang L, Chen D, Guang W, French J. Conception, early pregnancy loss, and time to clinical pregnancy: a population-based prospective study. Fertil Steril. 2003 Mar;79(3):577-84. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)04694-0. PMID: 12620443.
  3. Griebel CP, Halvorsen J, Golemon TB, Day AA. Management of spontaneous abortion. Am Fam Physician. 2005 Oct 1;72(7):1243-50. PMID: 16225027.
  4. Sotiriadis A, Makrydimas G, Papatheodorou S, Ioannidis JP. Expectant, medical, or surgical management of first-trimester miscarriage: a meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol. 2005 May;105(5 Pt 1):1104-13. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000158857.44046.a4. PMID: 15863551.
  5. Jensen JT, Speroff L. Health benefits of oral contraceptives. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2000 Dec;27(4):705-21. doi: 10.1016/s0889-8545(05)70169-8. PMID: 11091985.
Author
Dr. Abel Andrés Orelogio
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Continuous vaginal bleeding


    Paleness


    Heavy vaginal bleeding


    Low blood pressure


    Dizziness