A normal placenta seperates from the uterus spontaneouly after the delivery of the baby. In the condition where patient has placenta accreta, the placenta is unable to seperate because the placenta is abnormally attached deeply into the uterine wall. The removal of the placenta caused the patient to bleed a lot.

Of course the first thing we will do is try our best to stop the bleeding. But there were too many broken blood vessels. It was so severe, the surgeon had to do a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). We manage to control the bleeding temporary as the surgeon went out to get consent from patient’s husband for the hysterectomy to save the patient’s life. Many colleagues came in to help because we need extra man power as we need lots of extra instruments and surgical items.

Then, when we were controlling the bleeding by stitching, we lost one needle! The blood was flooding the operating field, makes it harder to look for it. That was another nightmare! But it was when I see teamwork among my colleagues and superiors. No one was shouting but all working calmly looking for that needle. We did x-ray on patient, just incase it is somewhere in her. After the x-ray was done, we changed the drapes and we found the needle at the sticky part of the drape! *relieved for a moment*

We went on saving patient’s life. A hysterectomy is done. She is saved.

The whole theater was bloody. I used up 8 packs of gauze (80 gauzes) all soaked wet with blood. There was blood stained on my face though I wore a mask with plastic protector over my face.

What an experience. But of course I am NOT looking forward for this type of surgeries. Like watching movie hor?