Cervical insufficiency: Re-evaluating the prophylactic cervical cerclage

Abstract

Historically, placement of a cervical cerclage was based almost entirely on the obstetrical history. Over the past two decades however, we have recognised that history alone may not be the only indication for cerclage but rather, complementing the obstetrical history with ultrasonographic and biochemical findings may better identify those women who may benefit most from the placement of a cervical cerclage. Review of the literature appears to suggest that the best approach towards the management of a cervical insufficiency is to first categorise women as being either high risk of low risk-based on obstetrical history. Although women with an obstetrical history of at least three 2nd trimester losses are likely to benefit from a prophylactic cerclage than those without this history may better be managed with progesterone and serial cervical length measurements. This approach can in turn be used to identify those women with early cervical shortening that may require an emergency cerclage. Although randomised controlled trials are still lacking, recent studies suggests that this approach may be more effective especially when combined with markers of intra-amniotic inflammation. As for the prophylactic cerclage itself, with the abdominal cerclage being less invasive given the possibility of a laparoscopic placement, it may prove to be a more effective alternative to the conventionally placed McDonald cerclage. This however, remains to be evaluated more carefully.

Keywords:

• Cerclage
• progesterone
• cervical insufficiency
• cervical incompetence
• cervical length