Laparoscopic Cervical Cerclage: Do Not Catch the Wrong Needle, or What to Do Next if It Happens!

Abstract

Study objective: To present a technique to correct the misplacement of tape during laparoscopic cervical cerclage. Catching and introducing the wrong needle resulted in a knot formed around the right adnexa.

Design: Step-by-step demonstration of the mistake and the technique to correct it.

Setting: A patient para 0+V (V corresponds to 5) with cervical insufficiency was managed with laparoscopic interval cerclage [1-3]. The patient's 2 most recent pregnancies had been managed with emergency transvaginal cerclage, which failed to prolong her gestation beyond 24 weeks.

Interventions: Before the cerclage procedure a 2.0 × 0.8-cm deep endometriotic nodule was excised. Both curved needles were straightened extracorporeally, and the tape was dropped inside the peritoneal cavity. The first needle was introduced successfully through the right side. After insertion of-what was believed to be-the same needle through the left side following the opposite direction, it was discovered that a tight knot had been formed around the right adnexa (Fig. 1). To avoid complete removal, the needleless tape was pulled back completely from the right side (Supplemental Fig. 1), and this end was stitched to a straight needle 2-0 polyglactin suture. The much thinner needle passed easily through the already created path, along with the tape (Supplemental Fig. 2), and the procedure was completed as planned (Supplemental Fig. 3).

Conclusion: When performing laparoscopic cervical cerclage with the tape and needles inside the abdomen, it is important to keep both under constant view. In the event of misplacement, no need to completely remove the tape. The tape's cut end can still be reintroduced successfully, stitched to a straight needle suture.

Keywords: Cervical cerclage; Complications; Laparoscopy.