[Increasing frequency of surgical closure of the incompetent cervix (author's transl)]

In the years 1960-1972 an increase of the frequency in the surgical closure of the incompetent cervix is observed. Primarily a cerclage, described by Shirodkar, in a modification of McDonald was used; a closure, described by Szendi was performed very rare. An exact explication of the pregnancy of 304 patients from the last 6 years shows, that in 87% the operation was successful, in 13% the pregnancy ended as an abortion. The purpose is to reach a time for a delivery of a child alive if possible mature. From 269 newborn infants 22,3% had a birthweight of less than 2500 g and 79,6% more than 2500 g; 1,1% were stillborn. The increase of the frequency we deduce on the one hand in an enlarged indication for a surgical closure and on the other hand in an improved intensive care during pregnancy, especially in high risk patients.