Background: Anatomical and histopathologic examination of placenta in cases of abortion is crucial
as to clarify the underlying causes of many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Dilation and evacuation
(D&E) is the most common mode of uterine evacuation that commonly examined in pathology
sections. The aim of this study is to discuss the various placental pathologies, and to demonstrate
the importance of careful pathologic examination of D&E material, also to review the anatomy of
placenta and to compare our findings with other publications worldwide. Material and Methods: A
retrospective descriptive study for 200 placental tissues was collected in 18 months period and
revised for normal anatomy and various placental pathologies. These placentas were obtained by
dilation and evacuation (D&E) technique. All cases were undergone for histopathological sections
that were stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Results: Placental infarction was observed in
25% of cases, and chorioammnitis was the most common form of placental infection and found in
12.5%. Molar changes were represented a lowered percentage of placental pathologies that found
in 9% of specimens. Conclusion: Study and recognition of placental lesions among general surgical
pathologists have clinical significance and awareness of deficiency, standardization of diagnostic
criteria, and increased knowledge in placental pathology improve the quality of diagnosis in this
area.