Role of Operative Early Total Cervix Occlusion for Prevention of Late Abortion and Early Prematurity

Ascending genital infection is one of the main causes for late abortions or early premature births. The Early Total Cervix Occlusion (ETCO) is an early preventive measure for women with a history of ≥ 2 late abortions or early premature births (< 32+0 gw). The operative technique, own results, as well as results from a multicenter-investigation undertaken in Germany are discussed. In both evaluations the women within this high risk group had after a Total Cervix Occlusion (TCO) a surviving infant in about 70%. Differentiated in „early“ TCO (ETCO) and „late“ TCO the success rate has been 80% respectively 40%. The ETCO is quite different from a Cerclage. Whereas the ETCO really closes the cervical canal (total barrier) and thus prevents ascension of organisms the Cerclage only tightens the canal. The inevitably much poorer results achieved by Cerclage are compared with the results of the ETCO.