Laparoscopic transabdominal cervico-isthmic cerclage: a minimally invasive approach.
BACKGROUND
While the traditional approach to management of cervical insufficiency has been the insertion of a transvaginal cerclage during pregnancy, a transabdominal cervico-isthmic suture is indicated in certain patients. This procedure is traditionally performed via laparotomy. Laparoscopic transabdominal cervico-isthmic cerclage (LTCC) placement, however, confers the benefit of the low morbidity associated with laparoscopy.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the technique and outcomes of LTCC in three cases.


METHODS
LTCC was performed using Mersilene tape at the level of the internal cervical os in the prepregnancy period in three patients: one with previous cervical amputation and two with previous failed cervical cerclage. Procedures were performed at a tertiary level endoscopic unit, Sydney, Australia.


RESULTS
The laparoscopic approach enabled placement of a suture with no morbidity, and rapid patient recovery in these cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic cervical cerclage proved technically feasible and safe for a surgeon trained in laparoscopic suturing methods.
Reid
Geoffrey D
GD
Liverpool Hospital, Department of Women's and Child Health, Liverpool, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. gdr@sgeg.info
Wills
Hannah J
HJ
Shukla
Anshumala
A
Hammill
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011247:Pregnancy; D002581:Uterine Cervical Incompetence / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*