Robotic-assisted laparoscopic cerclage in a pregnant patient

A robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique for transabdominal cerclage placement could offer improvements over the traditional laparoscopic approach. A gravid female with no vaginal portion of the cervix underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic cerclage at 12 weeks' gestation and ultimately delivered a healthy infant at term.

[Scar uterine rupture after 6 pregnancies with cerclage]

The scar uterine rupture is the most common reason for uterine rupture, because of the increased frequency of the myomectomia, cesarean sections and others. We present a case of a scar rupture in multiparous woman with seventh pregnancy, six of them with cerclage. The numerous cerclages has caused changes (lacerations) in the cervix, which made necessary each next cerclage to be placed higher and probably in the uterine isthmus. In our case the rupture started in the lower uterine segment and is combined with rupture of the bladder, which is the most common complication of the uterine rupture. We conclude that in cases with several cerclages the status of the uterus and the cervix should be evaluated very carefully and the way of delivery should be discussed.

Timing of mid-trimester cervical length shortening in high-risk women

OBJECTIVE

To examine the natural history of cervical length shortening in women who had experienced at least one prior spontaneous preterm birth at between 17+0 and 33+6 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

This was an analysis of prerandomization data from the multicenter Vaginal Ultrasound Cerclage Trial. Serial cervical length was measured by transvaginal sonography in 1014 high-risk women at 16+0 to 22+6 weeks. We performed survival analyses in which the outcome was cervical length shortening<25 mm and data were censored if this did not occur before 22+6 weeks' gestation. The incidence of cervical length shortening and the time to shortening were compared for women whose earliest prior preterm birth was in the mid-trimester, defined as <24 weeks, vs. those at weeks 24-33. Similar comparisons were performed based on each patient's most recent birth history.

RESULTS

Time to cervical length shortening by survival analysis was significantly shorter (hazard ratio (HR)=2.2, P<0.0001) and the relative risk (RR) of shortening significantly higher (RR=1.8, P<0.0001) for women whose earliest prior spontaneous preterm birth was at <24 weeks. A larger effect was observed for women whose most recent birth was at <24 weeks (HR=2.8, P<0.0001; RR=2.1, P<0.0001). The observed hazard ratios remained significant after adjusting for confounders in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.

CONCLUSION

Women with a prior spontaneous preterm birth at <24 weeks are at a higher risk of cervical shortening, and do so at a higher rate and at an earlier gestational age, than do women with a later preterm birth history.

Successful management of a cervical twin pregnancy: neoadjuvant systemic methotrexate and prophylactic high cervical cerclage before curettage

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience in managing a case of viable cervical twin pregnancy with systemic methotrexate and 2 weeks later with endocervical curettage after placing prophylactic high cervical cerclage.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

University medical center.

PATIENT(S)

A 36-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 0, complaining of vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, in whom cervical twin pregnancy was diagnosed at the sixth week of gestation.

INTERVENTION(S)

Systemic methotrexate was given as first-line treatment. Two weeks later because of persisting bleeding, endocervical curettage was performed after closing cervical arteries and placing but not tightening high cervical cerclage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Pregnancy termination, bleeding control, and preservation of fertility.

RESULT(S)

Notwithstanding the ligature of cervical arteries at curettage, heavy bleeding occurred, which was controlled rapidly by tightening the cerclage. Curettage then was completed successfully. Postoperative period was uneventful. Two years later the woman delivered vaginally.

CONCLUSION(S)

In case of cervical twin pregnancy methotrexate pretreatment and prophylactic placement of high cervical cerclage, but not ligature of cervical arteries, before curettage showed to be effective in terminating pregnancy ensuring effective bleeding control and preservation of fertility.

[Cervical cerclage. Results of the last ten year period (1997-2008) in Faculty Hospital Olomouc]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the cervical cerclage in the last ten year period on pregnancy outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Gynaecological and Obstetric Clinic Medical Faculty Palacky University and Faculty Hospital Olomouc.

METHODS

In the retrospective analysis of maternal and newborn records in the ten year period from 1.1. 1998 to 31. 12. 2007 were identified three groups of indications for operative cervical closure: elective--on the basis of history without objective evidence of cervical change, emergency cerclage--with objective manifestation of cervical insufficiency and rescue cerclage of a widely dilated cervix with prolapsed unruptured membranes.

RESULTS

A total 102 patients underwent cerclage between 11 and 31 weeks gestation. The prevalence of operative intervention was 0.6% of all mothers. Cervical cerclage was done by the McDonald technique. 17 patients had elective operations, 57 emergency and 28 rescue cerclage. Median length of interval from cerclage to delivery was significantly shorter after rescue cerclage, 26 days, (range 2-126) compared to emergency cerclage patients, 74 days (range (7-148). (P = 0,000005). Median interval from cerclage to delivery in elective operation was 105 days (range 9-188). Newborn dates corresponds with earlies termination of pregnancy in rescue cerclage subjects, with median gestational age at time of delivery 28 weeks (range 19-41), after emergency operation median achieved 36 weeks (range 23-41). The median gestational age at delivery after elective cerclage was 36 weeks (range 22-41). Nine fetal losses were in the rescue group, sex abortions (from 260 to 560 grams) and three early neonatal deaths (530, 550, 1150 grams).

CONCLUSION

These results confirm that the use of cervical cerclage in prevention of the premature labour is rather rare as well as achievement outcomes did not fulfil our expectations. This fact could have been considered in the care of pregnant and lead to restriction of unnecessary investigations of uterine cervix especially in non risk and asymptomatic population.

Indomethacin administration at the time of ultrasound-indicated cerclage: is there an association with a reduction in spontaneous preterm birth?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of indomethacin on the prevention of preterm birth (PTB) in women with an ultrasound-indicated cerclage.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study from 1995-2006. Asymptomatic women with a cerclage for a short cervical length (CL), which was defined as <25 mm, between 14-23 weeks 6 days of gestation were included. Women who received indomethacin therapy at the time of ultrasound-indicated cerclage for a short CL were compared with those women who did not. Our primary outcome was spontaneous PTB at <35 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

Fifty-one women received indomethacin, and 50 women did not. There were no differences between groups regarding previous PTB, gestational age, or CL at time of cerclage. The rate of spontaneous PTB at <35 weeks of gestation was similar between those who received indomethacin (20/51 [39%]) and those who did not (17/50 [34%]; relative risk, 1.15 [95% CI 0.69-1.93]). In our post hoc power analysis, 190 patients would have been needed to detect a 50% reduction in the rate of PTB.

CONCLUSION

Administration of indomethacin around the time of ultrasound-indicated cerclage was not associated with a decrease in spontaneous PTB.

Evaluation of cervical cerclage for sonographically incompetent cervix in at high risk patients

BACKGROUND

To determine the impact of Cervical Cerclage (CC) for prolongation of pregnancy, maternal and foetal outcome.

METHODS

This Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 2 years patients with history of two or more recurrent midtrimester abortions/preterm deliveries were included. Those with abnormal foetus, vaginal bleeding and choreoamneonitis were excluded. All patients were subjected to transvaginal sonography. Those having sonographic evidence of cervical shortening/dilatation/cone formation were subjected to McDonald suture. Age, parity, period of gestation and aetiological factors were determined.

RESULTS

Results were evaluated on the basis of pregnancy prolongation, 14-28 weeks (7.5%), 28-36 weeks (18.7%), 35-37 weeks (73.7%),vaginal delivery in (70%), instrumental (1305%), Caesarean section (17.5%),miscarriage (7.5%), prematurity (18.7%), term delivery (73.7%), prenatal death (13.7%), foetal survival rate (85.1%). No intraoperative complication found. During pregnancy premature rupture of membrane (3.7%), abruption (2.5%), severe pre-eclampsia (3.7%). During labour cervical dystocia was found in (2.5%), foetal distress (8.7%), mal-presentations (6.2%), cervical trauma (3.7%).

CONCLUSION

We determined a high success rate of cervical cerclage on properly selected patients with sonographic evidence of cervical changes. Cervical sonography can be a valuable adjunct to clinical evaluation of these patients.

The effect of anesthetic method for prophylactic cervical cerclage on plasma oxytocin: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

This study compared the changes in plasma oxytocin, intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative uterine activity in patients who underwent elective Shirodkar cerclage for cervical incompetence with general or spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

Thirty-seven singleton pregnant patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, controlled comparison of general (n=17) and spinal anesthesia (n=20) for elective Shirodkar suture in the second trimester. Plasma oxytocin concentration was measured before, 1 h after, and 24 h after the procedure. Uterine activity was recorded by external tocography twice daily for 30 min over a three-day period.

RESULTS

Plasma oxytocin concentration did not change significantly after cerclage in either group. There were no significant differences between the two groups at any time. None of the patients reported painful contractions during study period. Two (11.8%) and four patients (20.0%) in the general and spinal groups, respectively (NS), showed increased uterine activity but these symptoms disappeared without treatment. The systolic blood pressure in the spinal group was significantly lower after anesthesia compared with the baseline and was significantly lower than in the general group during the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthetic method used for elective Shirodkar procedure did not affect the perioperative changes in plasma oxytocin nor postoperative uterine activity.

Expectant management compared with physical examination-indicated cerclage (EM-PEC) in selected women with a dilated cervix at 14(0/7)-25(6/7) weeks: results from the EM-PEC international cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare pregnancy outcomes in selected women with a dilated cervix who underwent expectant management or physical examination-indicated cerclage.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a historical cohort study conducted by the Global Network for Perinatal and Reproductive Health. Women between 14(0/7) and 25(6/7) weeks' gestation with a dilated cervix were identified at 10 centers by ultrasound or digital examination. Primary outcome was time from presentation until delivery (weeks). Secondary outcomes were neonatal survival, birthweight greater than 1500 g and preterm birth less than 28 weeks. Multivariate regression was used to assess the likelihood of neonatal outcomes and control for confounders.

RESULTS

Of 225 women, 152 received a physical examination-indicated cerclage, and 73 were managed expectantly without cerclage. Cervical dilation, gestational age at presentation, and antenatal steroid use differed between groups. In the adjusted analyses, cerclage was associated with longer interval from presentation until delivery, improved neonatal survival, birthweight greater than 1500 g and preterm birth less than 28 weeks, compared with expectant management. Similar results were obtained in the analyses limited to women dilated between 2 and 4 cm (n = 122).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the largest cohort reported to date, physical examination-indicated cerclage appears to prolong gestation and improve neonatal survival, compared with expectant management in selected women with cervical dilation between 14(0/7) and 25(6/7) weeks. A randomized, controlled trial should be conducted to determine whether these potential benefits outweigh the risks of cerclage placement in this population.

Collagen 1Alpha1 and transforming growth factor-beta polymorphisms in women with cervical insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

To estimate whether polymorphisms in the collagen 1Alpha1 gene (COL1Alpha1) and the transforming growth factor-beta gene (TGF-beta;1) are more common in women with cervical insufficiency than in those without the condition.

METHODS

Medical, obstetric, and family histories and blood were obtained from women with (n=121) and those without (n=165) cervical insufficiency. DNA was extracted and purified by using commercial DNA isolation kits. Samples were analyzed for variants in two genes, the COL1A1 intron 1SP1 and TGF-beta Arg-25-Pro polymorphism, by using an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assay.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of 125 (27.2%) women with cervical insufficiency had at least one first-degree female relative affected. The frequency of the homozygous TT genotype in the COL1A1 gene was increased in women with a history of cervical insufficiency compared with controls (10.8% compared with 3.1%, P=.04). The TGF-beta polymorphisms (ArgPro and ProPro) also were increased in cases (38.3% compared with 14.6%, P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Over one fourth of women with cervical insufficiency have a family history of cervical insufficiency, and the COL1A1 intron 1SP1 and TGF-beta Arg-25-Pro polymorphisms are associated with the condition. These observations suggest that, in part, cervical insufficiency is mediated by genetic factors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Management of cervical weakness based on the measurement of cervical resistance index

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of measuring cervical resistance index (CRI) as an aid to selecting patients with a history of spontaneous mid-trimester miscarriage for cervical cerclage in subsequent pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN

An observational study of 175 patients with a history of one or more spontaneous mid-trimester losses and 123 non-pregnant women who had CRI measurements performed while undergoing routine gynaecological surgery. Those women whose CRI indicated an incompetent cervix were recommended for cervical cerclage in future pregnancies while women with a normal CRI were recommended for conservative management without cerclage.

RESULTS

The median CRI in the 123 control women was 38.26 N while the median CRI in the study group was 17.00 N. In 62 of the 175 study women (35%) the CRI findings were at variance with the history of previous mid-trimester loss; 30 (16.6%) were deemed competent on CRI whereas the history suggested incompetence and 32 (18.4%) were incompetent on CRI while the history suggested that the cervix should be competent. The 175 study women had had 486 previous pregnancies with a successful outcome in 27.4% of the pregnancies. Ninety-four patients have now had 148 pregnancies with a successful outcome in 75.8% of the pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-pregnant women with a history of spontaneous mid-trimester miscarriage have a significantly lower cervical resistance index than parous women who have not suffered mid-trimester loss. In 35% of patients the CRI was at variance with the history of the previous loss. CRI may be a useful technique to aid the diagnosis of cervical weakness allowing a rational selection for treatment with prophylactic cervical cerclage.

Successful continuation of pregnancy after repair of a midgestational uterine rupture with the use of a fibrin-coated collagen fleece (TachoComb) in a primigravid woman with no known risk factors

We report the first case of successful continuation of pregnancy after repair of a midgestational uterine rupture with the use of a fibrin-coated collagen fleece (TachoComb, Nycomed, Linz, Austria). For midgestational uterine rupture, adequate uterine repair and close surveillance of preterm labor could improve perinatal outcome by permitting continuation of the pregnancy.

Successful twin pregnancy after vaginal radical trachelectomy using transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage

The outcome of vaginal radical trachelectomy (VRT) for the management of early cervical cancer is comparable to that achieved with radical hysterectomy. Although VRT preserves the potential for pregnancy, the outcome of twin pregnancies following VRT is poor. We report a successful twin pregnancy after VRT using transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage.

Cervical length < or = 25 mm in low-risk women: a case control study of cerclage with rest vs rest alone

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of cerclage in low risk women with cervical length (CL) < or = 25 mm at transvaginal ultrasound (TVU).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of women with CL < or = 25 mm identified incidentally at TVU examinations between 16(0/7) to 24(6/7) weeks, with no history of previous preterm birth or midtrimester losses. The primary study outcome was rate of preterm delivery < 35 weeks' gestation.

RESULTS

Women undergoing cerclage placement (n = 31) had shorter CL (P < .001) and lower gestational age at presentation (P < .001) than those managed with rest alone (n = 36). Gestational age at delivery was 37.6 +/- 3.6 vs 38.5 +/- 2.1 weeks (P = .17), and delivery at < 35 weeks occurred in 5/31 versus 2/36 cases, respectively (P = .23). The lack of a significant association between cerclage and rate of delivery < 35 weeks persisted after controlling for gestational age at TVU and initial CL (P = .81).

CONCLUSION

Cerclage placement does not improve pregnancy outcome in low-risk women with incidental detection of CL < or = 25 mm in the early second trimester.

Prediction and Prevention of Recurrent Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Rates of preterm birth have continued to rise despite intensive research efforts over the last several decades. A woman who has a spontaneous preterm birth is at high risk for a subsequent preterm birth. Studies have identified clinical, sonographic, and biochemical markers that help to identify the women at highest risk. Determining cervical length and measuring cervicovaginal fibronectin have been proposed as useful tools for evaluating women at risk of preterm birth and may identify those who might benefit from a timely course of antenatal corticosteroids, but effective interventions to prevent preterm birth remain elusive. In the prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth, recent trials have confirmed the use of progesterone beginning in the second trimester as an effective intervention. Optimal management of women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth includes a thorough review of the obstetric, medical, and social history, with attention to potentially reversible causes of preterm birth (eg, smoking cessation, acute infections, strenuous activities), accurate ultrasound dating, consideration of progesterone therapy beginning at 16-20 weeks of gestation, and close surveillance during the pregnancy for evolving findings. Results from the ongoing trials of cerclage as an interventional therapy and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as a preventive therapy will provide additional knowledge for the optimal management of these high-risk women.

Good pregnancy outcome with emergent cerclage placed in the presence of intra-amniotic microbial invasion

Cervical insufficiency with dilation can be associated with amniotic fluid microbial invasion. Cerclage placement in the presence of infection is contraindicated because it is associated with poor fetal and maternal outcome. A 30-year-old gravida 4 para 0 with cervical insufficiency had emergent cervical suture placement at 19 weeks. The patient underwent amniocentesis to screen for infection. After the screen for infection using amniotic fluid glucose and white blood cells had indicated negative results, the patient had cerclage placed. Post cerclage placement, amniotic culture results were positive for KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE, CITROBACTER FREUNDII, and STAPHYLOCOCCUS coagulase negative. The patient was counseled about the need to remove the cerclage and she declined. She was treated with azithromycin and Unasyn and a repeat amniocentesis 7 days later indicated negative results. The patient had a 14 week cerclage to delivery interval, delivery at 33 2/7 weeks. Immediate evaluations of the newborn were negative for infection. Our satisfactory outcome with treatment of very early intra-amniotic infection suggests that this option may be considered in strictly selected patients in similar clinical scenarios as an alternative to cerclage removal and evacuation of the uterus.

Cervical cerclage for prevention of preterm birth in women with twin pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of elective cervical cerclage in women with twin pregnancy on gestational age at time of delivery.

METHOD

In a pragmatic fashion women in Abha Maternity Hospital, Saudi Arabia with twin gestations were allocated to receive either an elective cerclage (group I) or no cerclage (group II). Elective cerclage was performed at 12 to 14 weeks of gestation after sonographic examination of the fetus to confirm gestational age and exclude major congenital anomalies. In all cases, follow up of the pregnancy was continued until delivery.

RESULTS

Of the 176 twin pregnancies included, cerclage was performed in 76 women, and no cerclage in 100 women. In Group I: 12 pregnancies ended in spontaneous miscarriage, 37 in preterm labor, and 27 women reached full term. There were a total of 106 live births in 62 women. In Group II: 8 women aborted, 44 women ended in preterm labor and 48 women reached full term. There were a total of 160 live births in 89 women. The gestational age at delivery ranged from 20 to 41 weeks. Multiple regression analysis did not show association between cerclage and time of delivery, although a trend was observed (P=0.056).

CONCLUSION

Elective cerclage contributes little in prolongation of gestational age at the time of delivery in women with twin pregnancy, especially in women of high parity. Those with a previous history of preterm labor may be a subgroup that could benefit from elective cerclage.

Clinical aspects of cervical insufficiency

Fetal loss is a painful experience. A history of second or early third trimester fetal loss, after painless dilatation of the cervix, prolapse or rupture of the membranes, and expulsion of a live fetus despite minimal uterine activity, is characteristic for cervical insufficiency. In such cases the risk of recurrence is high, and a policy of prophylactic cerclage may be safer than one of serial cervical length measurements followed by cerclage, tocolysis and bed rest in case of cervical shortening or dilatation. In low risk cases, however, prophylactic cerclage is not useful. There is a need for more basic knowledge of cervical ripening, objective assessment of cervical visco-elastic properties, and randomized controlled trials of technical aspects of cervical cerclage (e.g. suturing technique).

Contemporary Use of Cervical Cerclage

Although it was devised over 50 years ago, only recently controlled randomized trials have evaluated the efficacy of cervical cerclage. Cerclage was originally devised for women with both prior preterm birth (PTB) and cervical changes in the current pregnancy. Evidence suggests that transvaginal cerclage probably prevents second trimester loss/PTB in women with >or=3 PTB/second trimester loss (history-indicated cerclage best placed at 12 to 14 wk); and in women with a prior PTB 16 to 36 weeks and transvaginal ultrasound cervical length<25 mm in the current pregnancy (ultrasound-indicated cerclage at 14 to 23 6/7 wk).

The effect of combined therapy with ritodrine, erythromycin and verapamil on the frequency of micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes of pregnant women

The main aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effect of combined pharmacotherapy applied in post-operative treatment of cervical cerclage in pregnant women over six days. This study included 19 phenotypically healthy pregnant women in mid-trimester with a diagnosis of cervical insufficiency, mean age 28+/-5.33. The frequency of micronuclei (MN) was estimated in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients before surgical intervention and after the end of applied pharmacotherapy by application of cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) test. Mean value of baseline MN frequency was 6.84+/-2.91 MN/1000 binucleated cells, and after the end of the applied therapy, 10.32+/-4.27 MN/1000 binucleated cells (P<0.001) were found. The data of cell proliferation index showed that the combined therapy did not induce significant difference in cell kinetics (P>0.05). Our results showed that combined pharmacotherapy treatment over six days significantly increased the frequency of MN in peripheral blood lymphocytes of pregnant women.

Setting up a preterm prevention clinic: a practical guide

In gynaecology, specialist menopause, urogynae, colposcopy, infertility, pelvic pain and cancer, rapid access clinics exist at many teaching and busy district general hospitals in the UK. Similarly, in obstetrics many busy maternity units have fetal medicine clinics, dedicated twins clinics and maternal medicine clinics, incorporating various general medical conditions and conditions peculiarly appropriate to pregnancy such as haematological disorders, diabetes and epilepsy. In contrast, in very few hospitals is there a dedicated clinic for women at increased risk of preterm birth, yet this is the major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in the developed world. Such a situation may be due to the confusion created by the fact that preterm birth is a heterogeneous condition with multiple aetiologies and hence multiple therapeutic interventions. It is possible to identify a group of women at particularly high risk of preterm birth in whom screening and interventional techniques have the potential to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with spontaneous preterm labour and preterm birth.

[Cervical cerclage and evidence-based medicine: if, how and when]

Cervical cerclage has always been the main treatment option in cases of so-called cervical insufficiency, a condition that is notoriously associated with a high risk of second trimester abortion and/or preterm delivery. We can distinguish between a prophylactic cerclage, to be performed electively, usually at 13-16 weeks gestation, only when the woman has a history extremely suggestive for cervical incompetence (3 or more mid-trimester abortions or preterm deliveries) and a therapeutic cerclage. This last cerclage is recommended either for women who have ultrasonographic changes consistent with a short cervix or the presence of funneling after the 16-20 weeks gestation (urgent cerclage) and for women who present the asymptomatic dilation of the uterine cervix of at least 2 cm and/or a prolapse of the amniochorial membranes (emergent cerclage). So far there is still a lack of controlled and randomized trials that can unquestionably demonstrate the advantages of the cervical cerclage in comparison with a ''wait and see'' aptitude. The cerclage can be performed either transvaginally, usually according to the McDonald technique, or transabdominally. This last approach is recommended when a transvaginal cerclage has to be avoided because of technical difficulties depending on the conditions of the cervix or when the pregnant woman has a history of one or more failed transvaginal cerclages. Interesting perspectives are currently offered by the laparoscopic cerclage, a method that has been effective and unexpectedly safe till now.