Hello and welcome to the zero to finals podcast. My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be

talking to you about retained products of conception. Then you can find written notes on this topic

at zero to finals.com slash R POC or in the postnatal care section of the zero to finals obstetrics and gynecology book.

So let's get straight into it.

Retained products of conception refers to when pregnancy-related tissue, for example, placental

tissue or fetal membranes, remains in the uterus after delivery.

It can also occur after miscarriage or termination of pregnancy.

Placenta accretor is a significant risk factor for retained products of conception.

Let's talk about the presentation.

Retained products of conception may be present in patients without any suggestive symptoms.

It can present with vaginal bleeding that gets heavier or does not improve with time after

delivery.

Abnormal vaginal discharge,

lower abdominal or pelvic pain,

and fever if infection occurs.

How is it diagnosed?

Ultrasound is the investigation of choice

for confirming the diagnosis.

Finally, let's talk about management.

The standard management of postpartum retained products of conception is to remove them surgically.

Evacuation of retained products of conception, or ERPC, is a surgical procedure involving a general anaesthetic.

The cervix is gradually widened using dilators,

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