Prophylactic cerclage in pregnancy. Effect in women with a history of conization.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of prophylactic cerclage on the course of pregnancy in women with prior conization.

STUDY DESIGN

In a retrospective, observational study, the outcome of pregnancies in 69 women with (n = 30) and without (n = 39) cerclage who previously underwent conization was evaluated regarding hospitalization due to threatened preterm labor and delivery before 37 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

The occurrence of preterm delivery was 23.3% in the cerclage group and 20.5% in the control group (P = .78). Women with prophylactic cerclage were hospitalized significantly more often due to threatened premature labor: with cerclage, 66.7%; without cerclage, 33.3% (P = .006).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic cerclage should be used more sparingly in women with a history of conization because it does not prevent premature delivery and tends to induce preterm uterine contractions.