Sciatic nerve ischaemia after iliac artery occlusion balloon catheter placement for placenta percreta

Placenta percreta is a complex obstetric condition and a cause of life-threatening peripartum haemorrhage. National guidelines advise preoperative placement of internal iliac artery occlusion balloon catheters in such cases to reduce haemorrhage, avoid caesarean hysterectomy and preserve fertility. Maternal complications of prophylactic occlusion balloon catheter insertion include puncture-site complications and arterial thrombosis, the signs of which are usually immediately clinically evident. Presentation of ischaemic nerve injury attributable to iliac artery thrombosis secondary to the presence of an occlusion balloon catheter is as yet unreported. Awareness of this possible complication and local unit guidelines may allow early detection and treatment. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.