Role of Cervical Cerclage in Cervical Incompetence

Objective: to determine the etiological factors, clinical presentation and pregnancy outcome in women who underwent cervical cerclage for incompetent cervix. setting: obstetrics and gynaecology unit-ii, liaquat university hospital, hyderabad-pakistan. data records from january 2004 to december 2006 were analysed. study design: a retrospective study. material methods: the case files and opd records of the cases of cervical incompetence were studies and data were recorded on a precoded proforma regarding patient’s past obstetrical history, gestational age and cervical dilatation at the time cerclage placement, complications and pregnancy outcomes. result: among 3033 patients admitted in the hospital 55 were diagnosed to have cervical incompetence, hence incidence come out 1.81%. in 41 patients cervical cerclage was applied, the method was “mcdonald purse string suture”. out of 41 patient’s miscarriage, pre-term and term delivery were 2.43%, 65.85% and 39.02% respectively. foetal survival was 82.92%. no effect was seen on mode of delivery. there were no serious maternal complications. conclusions: past history of recurrent mid-trimester abortion or pre-term delivery when combine with ultrasonography form reliable basis for diagnosis. cervical cerclage seems to be the effective treatment of choice in patients with cervical incompetence.