LAPAROSCOPIC ABDOMINAL CERCLAGE IN PREGNANCY

J.F. Carter and D.E. Soper

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal Cerclage in Pregnancy can be safely performed Laparoscopically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage on a patient who was 8 weeks and 2 days pregnant. She had four previous failed pregnancies including two failed transvaginal cerclages.

RESULTS: This 28 year old G 5 P0 was noted to be 8 weeks and 2 days with yolk sac the day prior to surgery using Transvaginal ultrasound. She underwent a Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage on February 2, 2004. Patient delivered at 36 4/7 weeks a viable female infant, weight 2335 grams ( 5 pounds 9 ounces ), Apgars 8 and 9.

CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, the Laparoscopic Abdominal cerclage is a viable option in pregnancy as an alternative to the Open Abdominal Cerclage with less morbidity, shorter hospital stay and avoiding two laparotomies.  

Key Words: cerclage, laparoscopy, abdominal cerclage

Disclosure – Grant/Research: J.F. Carter, Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson. Speakers Bureau: J.F. Carter, Ethicon, Wyeth, Boston Scientific.