O-055 Efficacy of Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage in Women With Prior 2nd Trimester Losses/Preterm Birth: Perinatal Outcomes of Case Series
Authors: Pabuccu E , Pabuccu R , Israfilova G , Valadova A 
Published: June 2023

Study question

What is the efficacy of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage (LAC) that placed during periconceptional period in singletons with prior 2nd trimester pregnancy losses/preterm deliveries (PTDs)?

Summary answer

LAC seems to prolong pregnancy duration and enhance perinatal outcomes in singletons prior 2nd trimester losses/PTDs.

What is known already

Cervical insufficiency (CI) is defined as the inability of the uterine cervix to retain a pregnancy till term without the signs and symptoms of clinical contractions ,with an incidence up to 1% (Berghella, 2011). Cervical cerclage (CC) has been proposed as an effective treatment for CI in terms of successfully prolonging the pregnancy period and improving the perinatal prognosis. The common clinical approach is transvaginal cervical cerclage (TVC), which is a feasible and relatively easy technique. However, some group of women may experience late abortions and/or PTD and LAC has been proposed to enhance pregnancy outcomes.

Study design, size, duration

Case series consisting of singletons with at least 2 prior PTDs and managed with LAC was reviewed between January 2019-November 2022. After placement of LAC, reproductive and perinatal outcomes of women were reviewed for 2 years.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

All women with at least 2 prior 2nd trimester losses and/or PTDs were offered to LAC procedure during the period. After having informed consents, total of 28 LAC procedures were performed. All surgeries were performed by a single experienced laparoscopist in the same center. Non-absorbable mersilene tape was placed during preconceptional period. Reproductive outcomes including spontaneous and assisted conception cycles and perinatal outcomes were reported.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 28 LAC proceudres were performed during the period. Mean age of women was 34±2 and mean numbers of previous 2nd trimester losses/PTDs was 2.8±0.8, of which all of them were &lt;24 weeks. Total of 8 women have had gynecologic surgery in their history. Less than 12 months interval, 19 out of 28 women got pregnent; 13/28 conceived spontaneously and 6/28 conceived with after IVF treatment.

For the perinatal outcomes; there were no single case of 2nd trimester losses/PTDs &lt;24 weeks in the entire cohort.

15 women delivered &gt;34 weeks and remaining 4 delivered at term (&gt;37 weeks).

During the gestation, no additional medication was provided to pregnants such as progesterone treatment.

The mean gestational age was 35 4/7 weeks.

There were no remarkable adverse events during the pregnancy. All newborns were healthy without remarkable issues, only 2 infants required intensive care for less than 2 weeks.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Small sample size, lack of a control group and randomization and heterogenious patient population.

Wider implications of the findings

LAC appears to have favorable pregnancy outcomes in singletons with prior pregnacy losses and/or PTDs. To precisely conclude, randomized controlled trials are needed with different intervention arms in the same population.

Trial registration number

non applicable