Development of a video to teach clinicians how to perform a transabdominal cerclage

A transabdominal cerclage has been shown in a recent randomized controlled trial to be superior to a low vaginal cerclage in reducing the risk of early preterm birth (8% [3/39] vs 33% [11/33]; relative risk, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.76; P=.01570) and fetal loss (3% [1/39] vs 21% [7/33]; relative risk, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.016-0.930) in women with a previous failed vaginal cerclage.¹ OBJECTIVE: We sought to create a video illustrating a transabdominal cerclage procedure for use as a teaching resource and describing this uncommon but important procedure for dissemination among clinicians.

Transabdominal cerclage insertion in a non-gravid and gravid uterus (less than 14 weeks' gestation) via laparotomy and laparoscopy was filmed with patients' and clinicians' consent in main theatres at St Thomas' Hospital and University College London Hospital. The film footage was edited, and an audio narration by the surgeon was included to provide a description of the procedures.

We developed an 8-minute video with an audio narration describing the insertion and management issues of an abdominal cerclage for free dissemination among clinicians who wish to learn how to perform this procedure.

An abdominal cerclage has been shown to significantly reduce early preterm birth and fetal loss more effectively than a low vaginal cerclage in women with a previous failed cerclage. More obstetricians and gynecologists need to be trained on how to perform the transabdominal cerclage procedure to increase its availability to suitable women. This procedure is technically straightforward and can be taught via video, which can easily be shared among clinicians at a low cost.