Outcome Of Cervical Cerclages In Semino Specialist Hospital: A 5-Case Series

Abstract

Background: Cervical cerclage is simply the use of a specialized non-absorbable suture to tie the cervix at the level of the internal os to prevent recurrent abortions, preterm labour and delivery especially in women with short cervix or cervical weakness. It was introduced in the 1950s by Shirodkar and McDonald and has since become a common obstetric practice. There still exist a lot of controversies concerning its efficacy and the factors determining its success. This study is aimed at unraveling the factors that determined a successful cerclage in a private hospital setting in Enugu, south-east Nigeria.
Aim: To audit the pregnancy outcomes and its determinants following prophylactic cervical cerclage in a private centre
Methodology: This was a case series of five women who had prophylactic cerclage between 2020 and 2022 in SEMINO Hospital, Enugu, following either a clinical or ultrasound diagnosis of cervical incompetence or both. SEMINO Hospital receives referrals from some maternity homes and other private centres not manned by obstetrician/gynaecologist in and around Abakpa-Nike. These women were seen and managed by the authors in SEMINO Hospital over the period under review. Data were collected from the patients’ case notes and presented in tabular form for easy analysis and comparison.
Conclusion: The use of adjunctive therapies and insertion of cerclages at earlier gestational ages may enhance the outcome of cervical cerclages.