Feasibility and clinical effects of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage: An observational study

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage performed as an interval procedure in non-pregnant women at high risk of second trimester spontaneous abortion and early preterm birth. Design. Observational study. Sample. Fifty-two consecutive patients at high risk of preterm birth. Setting. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital. Methods. Patients were registered prospectively. Indications for surgery included classical cervical insufficiency, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) or two conizations/cervical amputation. Outcome of subsequent pregnancies was registered. Main outcome measures. Gestational age in subsequent pregnancies. Results. No operative or postoperative complications were observed. A total of 45 pregnancies were registered during the observation period. Among 36 pregnancies lasting beyond the 16th week of gestation, 30 women (83.3%) gave birth by cesarean section after 36 weeks of gestation and the overall mean gestational age was 37.4 weeks compared with a mean gestational age of 25.2 weeks of the pregnancies prior to the cerclage. The cesarean sections were uncomplicated in all but one patient, where a re-laparotomy was needed six hours later due to atonic postpartum hemorrhage without evident bleeding through the cervix. Conclusion. Laparoscopic abdominal cerclage is a feasible and safe procedure. Obstetrical outcomes are encouraging but prospective studies are needed to define the effectiveness of the laparoscopic cerclage compared with the traditional transvaginal approach. © 2012 The Authors Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica© 2012 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.