A clinico-epidemiological review of cervical cerclage from the Assir region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who had cervical cerclage performed because of suspected cervical incompetence over a 7-year period to assess the outcome of pregnancy and complications resulting from the cerclage. Other factors that could affect the outcome and complications were also assessed. Out of 196 patients who had the operation, 154 patients had adequate records available and therefore comprised the study population. There were 139 (90%) live births of which 76·6% weighed more than 2000 g. The outcome was not influenced by the experience of the surgeon, type of cerclage or the use of prophylactic antibiotics. There were no complications in 138 (90%) of the cases, and no cases of ruptured uterus, cervical lacerations and severe infections were encountered. The complications were seen more in multiple-order pregnancy and when the operation was performed as an emergency. The future role of cervical cerclage in the management of cervical incompetence in our community is discussed.