Transabdominal cerclage: a laparoscopic approach.
BACKGROUND
The placement of a transabdominal cervical cerclage has been regarded as considerably more morbid than a transvaginal cerclage, in part due to the need for two laparotomies. We describe a technique for the laparoscopic placement and removal of a transabdominal cerclage.


METHODS
Two cases of women with insufficient cervical tissue to place a transvaginal cerclage were managed with a transabdominal cerclage. In one case, the cerclage was placed laparoscopically; in the other, the band was removed, facilitating uterine evacuation following the diagnosis of a missed abortion. In both cases a laparotomy was avoided.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic placement and removal of a transabdominal cerclage are promising options in the treatment of an incompetent cervix.
Lesser
K B
KB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724, USA. klesser@aruba.ccit.arizona.edu
Childers
J M
JM
Surwit
E A
EA
D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D013513:Obstetric Surgical Procedures; D011247:Pregnancy; D002581:Uterine Cervical Incompetence / Q000601:surgery*