Comparing two methods of cervical cerclage to prevent preterm delivery

Comparison of Elective Cervical Cerclage by Vaginal and by Laparoscopic Transabdominal Routes in the Periconceptional Period in the Patient with Unfavorable Obstetrical History

Observational IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06788873

This study is testing which of two surgical methods for cervical cerclage works better to help prevent preterm delivery in women who have had previous preterm births or miscarriages.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 44 Years
SexFemale
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna, Bologna)
Trial IDNCT06788873 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of two surgical techniques for elective cervical cerclage: the vaginal route and the laparoscopic transabdominal route. Data will be collected from patients who have undergone these procedures as part of their normal care pathway, without additional study-specific visits. Participants will provide informed consent during a follow-up visit, and their clinical-demographic data will be pseudo-anonymized for analysis. The study focuses on patients with a history of preterm deliveries or second-trimester abortions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older with a history of at least two preterm deliveries or second-trimester abortions who have undergone elective cervical cerclage.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple pregnancies will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the more effective surgical technique for preventing preterm delivery in at-risk patients.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been used in clinical practice, this specific comparison of techniques is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with unfavorable obstetric history, i.e., at least two previous preterm deliveries or second-trimester abortions who underwent elective prophylactic cervical cerclage (vaginal or laparoscopic) between 01/01/2002 and 31/12/2020
* Age ≥18 years
* Obtaining informed consent form
* Availability of clinical-demographic data

Exclusion Criteria:

* Multiple pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Bologna, Bologna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cerclage, CervicalVaginal cervical cerclageTransabdominal cervical cerclage
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.