A comparison of the effect of placental extraction from exteriorized versus non-exteriorized uterus on blood loss during caesarean section in Nigerian women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of placenta extraction from exteriorized uterus versus placenta extraction from non- exteriorized uterus on blood loss during caesarean section (CS). It was a randomized control study in which 98 women undergoing caesarean section were allocated randomly to either the placental delivery from exteriorized uterus or placental delivery from non-exteriorized uterus. The main outcome measure was intraoperative blood loss, and Intention to treat analysis was used. More participants in the non-exteriorized placenta removal group had blood loss ≥500mls (P-value <0.001). Logistic regression showed about 5times likelihood of having blood loss of 500mls or more in the non-exteriorized group (P< 0.001; OR: 5.67; 95%CI: 2.38-13.40). The mean estimated blood loss was 54.1mL less in exteriorized placenta removal group (476.12±160.86 versus 530.20±145.18; P-value = 0.084). The mean changes in haemoglobin concentration in exteriorized and non-exteriorized groups were 0.68±0.19g/dL and 0.74±0.20g/dL; P = 0.131) respectively. This study showed statistically significant difference in blood loss of 500mls or more in the placenta delivery from non-exteriorized compared to the exteriorized group. However, there was no significant difference in the mean blood loss, duration of surgery, and change in haemoglobin between the two groups.