Comparison of delayed absorbable suture v nonabsorbable suture for treatment of incompetent cervix

This is a retrospective study of McDonald cerclages comparing absorbable suture v. nonabsorbable suture and showing no adverse outcomes associated with the absorbable cerclage group.

To compare the efficacy of traditional nonabsorbable suture to delayed absorbable suture for use in McDonald cervical cerclage.

A retrospective analysis was conducted examining all cerclage procedures over a one year interval, from 7/01/97 until 6/03/98. Cases were stratified by the type of suture material, specifically nonabsorbable versus delayed absorbable. Demographic data, as well as selected perinatal outcomes were analyzed for each group. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Fishers Exact test for categorical data, and the Student t-test for continuous variables. A p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Eighteen patients who underwent a McDonald cerclage were analyzed. In fourteen a nonabsorbable cerclage was utilized and in four an absorbable cerclage was used. The mean gestational age at delivery for the nonabsorbable suture group was 36.9 weeks compared to 39.2 weeks for the patients receiving an absorbable cerclage (P = 0.2). The mean birth weights for each group were 2732 +/- 183 grams and 3616 +/- 343 grams, respectively (P = 0.04).

Based on our findings delayed absorbable suture material may be a reasonable alternative during cerclage placement, with the added benefit of spontaneous degradation versus surgical removal.