Analysis of retained placenta associated with saline abortion: Clinical considerations

In a series of 4,069 saline abortions, the incidence of retained placenta and the complications associated with this condition are described. The most frequent complication observed was hemorrhage. The incidence of complications rises progressively as the duration of retained placenta increases. The complication rate associated with surgical removal is less than the complication rate associated with placental retention beyond 2 hours after expulsion of the fetus. These data suggest that removal of the placenta appears warranted if it has not been delivered within 2 hours after delivery of the fetus.