TITLE:
Comparative Outcomes of Pre-Conceptional and Post-Conceptional Laparoscopic Cervical Cerclage: A Retrospective Cohort Study
AUTHORS:
Mundhir Semm Ally Basinda, Sifan Li, Xiaoyan Ying
KEYWORDS:
Cervical Insufficiency, Pre-Conceptional Cerclage, Post-Conceptional Cerclage, Pregnancy Outcomes, Laparoscopic Cervical Cerclage
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.3,
March
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To compare the surgical, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes of pre-conceptional versus post-conceptional laparoscopic cervical cerclage in women diagnosed with cervical insufficiency. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 143 women who underwent laparoscopic cervical cerclage between January 2021 and December 2023 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Patients were grouped into pre-conceptional (n = 39) and post-conceptional (n = 104) cohorts. Baseline characteristics, surgical metrics, and obstetric outcomes were compared using t-tests and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Neonates in the pre-conceptional group had significantly higher birth weights (3101.6 ± 605.7 g vs. 2756.4 ± 465.4 g; p = 0.0005). The pre-conceptional group also showed greater cervical length gain post-cerclage (7.9 ± 5.7 mm vs. 5.2 ± 5.8 mm; p = 0.012). Surgical time was longer in the pre-conceptional group (90.0 ± 24.2 minutes vs. 80.0 ± 18.3 minutes; p = 0.004), but no differences were observed in blood loss, complications, or fetal survival (97.4% vs. 94.4%, p = 0.674). Conclusion: Pre-conceptional laparoscopic cervical cerclage may offer neonatal benefits without increasing surgical or obstetric risks. These findings support its consideration in high-risk patients. Further prospective studies are warranted.