Vaginal Erosion of an Abdominal Cerclage 7 Years After Laparoscopic Placement

Publication Date

2014

Journal Title

Obstet Gynecol

Abstract

BACKGROUND: With advances in minimally invasive approaches, laparoscopically placed abdominal cerclages are becoming more common. Although not meant to replace vaginally placed cerclages, one potential advantage is reuse in subsequent pregnancies. Their lifespan, potential remote complications, and long-term management remain unexplored. CASE: Reported is a patient with a laparoscopic abdominal cerclage who carried two pregnancies to term. Seven years after initial placement, 3 years after her last delivery, an abscess developed at the cerclage site. Erosion and subsequent expulsion of the cerclage followed. CONCLUSION: The longevity of abdominally placed cerclages is unknown. Placement in the peritoneal cavity reduces suture migration risk, yet tissue degradation may limit the lifespan. Patients with retained abdominal cerclages after completion of childbearing are at risk for remote complications. Closer long-term surveillance on an individual level and a collective level is warranted.

Volume Number

123

Issue Number

2

Pages

420-423

Document Type

Article

EPub Date

2014/01/15

Status

Faculty, Northwell Researcher

Facility

School of Medicine; Northwell Health

Primary Department

Obstetrics and Gynecology

PMID

24413249

DOI

10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182a7114a

For the public and Northwell Health campuses

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