Clinical outcomes following interval laparoscopic transabdominal cervico-isthmic cerclage placement: case series

The purpose of this report is to describe outcomes following laparoscopic transabdominal cervico-isthmic cerclage placement in cases of cervical incompetence not amenable to a conventional transvaginal procedure. We reviewed records of the first 11 patients at an academic teaching hospital who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage placement as an interval procedure, using a technique we previously first described. For all patients, the clinical course, including surgical complications and outcome of all subsequent pregnancies, is briefly described. One case was complicated by a small bowel injury secondary to concomitant extensive enterolysis. Otherwise there were no complications. Mean estimated blood loss was <40 ml. To date, 10 patients have conceived a total of 12 pregnancies following the procedure. Two pregnancies resulted in spontaneous losses at 8 weeks gestation, two in deliveries by Caesarean section at 34.5 weeks, and eight in deliveries by elective Caesarean section at 38 weeks or more. Each delivery resulted in the birth of a healthy infant. In conclusion, patients who require a transabdominal cerclage may undergo a laparoscopic interval procedure and achieve outcomes similar to those following placement via laparotomy during pregnancy.