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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Laparoscopic Non-Mesh Cerclage Pectopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: September 13, 2022
Transabdominal cerclage: can we predict who fails?
Andrea L Fick1, Aaron B Caughey, Julian T Parer
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1080, USA. andrea-fick@uiowa.edu
Summary
Transabdominal cerclage (TAC) significantly improves pregnancy success rates, with 93% fetal salvage post-procedure. Obstetric history, including prior pregnancy loss, did not predict TAC failure in this study.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Surgical Obstetrics
Background:
- Transabdominal cerclage (TAC) is a surgical procedure used to prevent preterm birth.
- Evaluating the efficacy and predictors of failure for TAC is crucial for optimizing obstetric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pregnancy outcomes in women who underwent transabdominal cerclage (TAC).
- To identify if specific obstetric history factors predict TAC failure.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study reviewed records of 88 women undergoing TAC between 1978 and 2004.
- Obstetric history, maternal demographics, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed.
- Statistical tests including Student's t-test, z-test, and Chi-square were employed.
Main Results:
- The fetal salvage rate increased from 18% to 93% after TAC (p<0.001).
- 70% of pregnancies resulted in delivery beyond 37 weeks.
- No significant predictors of the eight TAC failures were identified, including maternal age or prior pregnancy loss.
Conclusions:
- Transabdominal cerclage (TAC) demonstrates a high success rate in improving pregnancy outcomes.
- TAC is a viable option for women with a history of poor obstetric outcomes, including failed vaginal cerclage.
- Predictors of failure were not identified, likely due to the high overall success rate.
