Perinatal Outcomes Associated With the Modified Shirodkar Cervical Cerclage Technique

TL;DR

This study examines outcomes of a modified cervical cerclage technique during pregnancy, focusing on maternal and neonatal results.

Contribution

The study provides new clinical data on the modified Shirodkar cervical cerclage technique's effectiveness in preventing preterm birth.

Findings

The modified Shirodkar technique was primarily used prophylactically in 56% of cases.

Most births occurred at 38 weeks gestation, with only 13% experiencing prematurity-related complications.

Only 5% of neonates required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe demographic and clinical characteristics and surgical and neonatal results related to the modified Shirodkar cervical cerclage technique.

Materials and methods: This was an observational descriptive and retrospective study. Data was called from anonymized medical records of women who were pregnant and diagnosed with cervical incompetence and who had also undergone cervical cerclage procedures using the modified Shirodkar technique. The variables recorded included demographics such as the maternal age of patients, clinical features like obstetric history, physical examination, and ultrasound findings, and surgical and neonatal outcomes. The qualitative variables were processed using frequencies and percentages, and the quantitative variables were obtained through median, interquartile range, mean, and standard deviation.

Results: Our study included 39 anonymized medical records. The main indication for cervical cerclage placement was prophylactic (56%). The median gestational age at cerclage placement was 16 weeks, with a median gestational age at birth of 38 weeks; only 13% had complications related to prematurity, and 5% were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Conclusion: The modified Shirodkar technique is associated with favorable surgical, maternal, and neonatal outcomes.

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