Explore Obstetrics & Gynecology Complex Obstetric Surgery
Complex Obstetric Surgery & Placenta Accreta Spectrum Program
UConn Health is committed to supporting patients with complex obstetrical needs through every step of their pregnancy journey. Our team brings together high-risk pregnancy specialists, skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists, and neonatal experts to ensure seamless, coordinated care in even the most high-risk situations. With a focus on preparation, precision, and compassion, we aim to achieve the best possible outcomes, prioritizing both the mother’s and baby’s health, safety, and well-being.
Complex Obstetric Surgery
Our multidisciplinary complex obstetric surgery team provides specialized care for patients at increased risk for complications during delivery due to medical or surgical factors. We offer expert, individualized management for those with the following conditions or histories:
- Prior abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Large or numerous uterine fibroids
- Abnormally shaped uterus
- Extensive scar tissue involving the uterus
- Prior surgery to remove fibroids (myomectomy)
- History of multiple cesarean sections
- History of complicated cesarean deliveries
- History of hemorrhage during delivery
- Placenta previa
- Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS)
We are committed to ensuring the safest possible outcomes for both mother and baby through advanced surgical planning and multidisciplinary care.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum Program
UConn Health is proud to offer a dedicated Placenta Accreta Spectrum Program, one of the few in the region with a fully integrated multidisciplinary approach to managing this complex and potentially life-threatening condition. Placenta accreta spectrum includes abnormal placental attachment to the uterus, which can lead to significant complications during delivery, particularly when not diagnosed and managed with expertise.
Our program is built on seamless coordination between:
- High-risk pregnancy specialists who lead prenatal diagnosis, monitoring, and planning
- Expert pelvic surgeons skilled in complex cesarean and hysterectomy procedures
- Obstetric anesthesia teams trained in managing high-risk surgical deliveries
- Dedicated, highly skilled obstetric nurses with expertise in managing complex pregnancies and recoveries
- Interventional radiology, providing minimally invasive options for controlling bleeding
- Blood bank services, ensuring immediate access to blood products for transfusion
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) support for critical care needs
- Neonatal specialists from Connecticut Children’s who provide advanced care for newborns
What Is Placenta Accreta Spectrum?
Placenta accreta spectrum is a group of conditions where the placenta (the source of food and oxygen for your growing baby) grows too deeply into the uterus wall and cannot detach after childbirth. This can lead to complicated pregnancies and difficult deliveries, with risks such as vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, heavy bleeding after delivery, and premature birth.
Placenta Accreta Team
Our team meets regularly to review each patient’s case, create individualized delivery and surgical plans, and ensure the highest level of preparedness for any scenario. We also emphasize emotional support, patient education, and birth planning to help families through what can be a stressful and complex journey.
- Nicole Gavin, MD
Co-Director, Placenta Accreta Spectrum Program
High-Risk Pregnancy
- Jennifer Jorgensen, MD, MPH
Co-Director, Placenta Accreta Spectrum Program
Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Richard Wagner, MD
High-Risk Pregnancy
- Roshini Zachariah, MD
High-Risk Pregnancy
With advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and compassionate care, our PAS Program is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes even in the most challenging situations.