Prevention of preterm delivery by cervical cerclage; a comparison of prophylactic and emergency procedures

Objective: Prophylactic or emergency type cervical cerclage procedures are being used for treatment of cervical insufficiency. The aim was to review and compare the outcomes of these cerclage types and identify factors affecting outcomes. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of seventy-five patients in whom transvaginal cervical cerclage procedures were performed over a seven-year period in a tertiary referral center. Results: Twenty seven of 75 (36%) patients were in the emergency cerclage group and 48 (64%) of them were in the prophylactic group. Mean body mass index (BMI), hospitalization time and gestational week at cerclage were significantly higher, whereas latency period was significantly shorter for the emergency group. Mean gestational ages at delivery were 35.6 +/- 4.5 and 33.6 +/- 5.9 weeks in the prophylactic and emergency groups, respectively (p=0.117). Delivery rates under 34th gestational week were 20.8% and 37.0% in the prophylactic and emergency groups, respectively (p=0.175). Birthweight, and delivery >= 34th gestational week was higher in the prophylactic group, whereas complication rate was higher in the emergency group, but these differences were not significant. High BMI was associated with more deliveries before 34-week in the prophylactic group. Pre-cerclage cervical length was shorter in patients who delivered before 34 gestational weeks at delivery. Conclusion: Prophylactic and emergency cerclage procedures have comparable results regarding gestational week at delivery. High BMI and low pre-cerclage cervical length may have adverse effects on success of cerclage procedures.