Primary Article
Cervical Cerclage Twenty Years' Experience*
Abstract
ABSTRACTDuring a 20-year period, 40 pregnancies were managed in 32 patients with a diagnosis of an incompetent cervix, a ratio of 1:775 deliveries. Diagnosis before development of symptoms produced a 92% fetal salvage, with 68% reaching 36 weeks of gestation. Development of symptoms before cerclage resulted in only a 40% fetal salvage. Fetal salvage was reduced in cases where membranes bulged beyond the cervix, the cervix was more than 3 cm dilated, or the gestational age was greater than 26 weeks at the time of suture placement. No difference was noted between the Shirodkar and McDonald procedures. Major complications included uterine rupture in three patients and acute chorioamnionitis in two. Because of complications, treatment is contraindicated based on history alone or where close follow-up is not available.This content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.