succenturiate lobe (placenta)

Last reviewed 09/2022

This is a separate (satellite) lobe away from the main body of the placenta, but attached to the latter by vessels running in the membranes.

Accessory lobes have an incidence of approximately 5%.

It is important to ensure that this lobe separates properly from the uterus, otherwise retention may cause PPH or sepsis. It should be suspected when there is a defect in the membranes a short distance from the expelled placental margins.

Management involves manual removal.