What should you know about surgery to remove retained placenta?

A retained placenta means some or all of the placenta remains in the uterus after delivery or pregnancy loss. A clinician may first consider medicines or careful examination, depending on bleeding, pain, infection concerns and your overall condition. Surgical removal is often called evacuation or surgical management. The clinician gently opens the cervix if needed and removes tissue with specialised instruments, with pain relief or anaesthesia chosen for your circumstances. The removed tissue may be examined. Bleeding and cramping can continue for a short time afterwards, and the team will explain what is expected.

Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous anaesthetic problems and whether you are breastfeeding. Follow instructions about eating, drinking and medicines before the procedure. Arrange an adult to take you home if sedation or anaesthesia is used. Rest as advised, use sanitary pads rather than tampons while bleeding, and take only recommended pain relief. Keep the follow-up appointment so ongoing bleeding, infection symptoms and recovery can be checked.

Contact urgent medical care for heavy or increasing bleeding, faintness, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, chills, confusion, or feeling suddenly very unwell. A bad-smelling vaginal discharge can signal infection and needs prompt assessment. Do not wait for a planned appointment if these symptoms appear.

Ask why surgery is recommended, what anaesthesia is planned, how the tissue will be removed, what bleeding is normal afterwards, and when you can resume bathing, sex, exercise and work.