Cervical cerclage in pregnancy at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (1983–1987)

Summary

In a five year review of cerclage operations at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, patient characteristics and the influence of obstetric management on the reproductive outcome were analysed. Ninety-five patients (38.2 per cent) had a previous induced abortion. Cerclage operations were performed on 359 occasions giving an incidence of 38.6/1000 births. Comparing outcome of pregnancy from 28 weeks gestation showed that cervical cerclage led to a statistically significant increase in deliveries between 33 and 36 weeks gestation and an increased fetal salvage rate. Outcome was not influenced by whether or not the patients were prescribed Salbutamol. Complications were few but notably included a maternal death. Methods of prevention of trauma to the cervix in this community, with a high rate of induced abortions, are suggested.