Outcome Of Cervical Cerclages In Semino Specialist Hospital: A 5-Case Series
Odugu BU, Onyekpa IJ, Ogili JJ
Background: Cervical cerclage is simply the use of a specialized non-absorbable suture to tie the cervix
at the level of the internal os to prevent recurrent abortions, preterm labour and delivery especially
in women with short cervix or cervical weakness. It was introduced in the 1950s by Shirodkar and
McDonald and has since become a common obstetric practice. There still exist a lot of controversies
concerning its efficacy and the factors determining its success. This study is aimed at unraveling the
factors that determined a successful cerclage in a private hospital setting in Enugu, south-east Nigeria.
Aim: To audit the pregnancy outcomes and its determinants following prophylactic cervical cerclage in
a private centre
Methodology: This was a case series of five women who had prophylactic cerclage between 2020
and 2022 in SEMINO Hospital, Enugu, following either a clinical or ultrasound diagnosis of cervical
incompetence or both. SEMINO Hospital receives referrals from some maternity homes and other
private centres not manned by obstetrician/gynaecologist in and around Abakpa-Nike. These women
were seen and managed by the authors in SEMINO Hospital over the period under review. Data were
collected from the patients’ case notes and presented in tabular form for easy analysis and comparison.
Conclusion: The use of adjunctive therapies and insertion of cerclages at earlier gestational ages may
enhance the outcome of cervical cerclages.
