Gynecologic Center - Minimally Invasive GYN Procedures

Minimally Invasive Procedure Helps Patients Carry At-Risk Pregnancies To Term

Traditionally, patients with cervical insufficiency had to suffer repeated pregnancy losses with few options other than transvaginal cervical cerclage. While cerclage is a successful surgery for many women, some patients require a more reliable treatment due to their specific cervical anatomy.

Partnering with Maternal-Fetal Medicine, surgeons at TGH perform transabdominal cervical cerclage (TAC) procedures on patients who have had failed transvaginal cerclage, suffered a cervical tear from a previous delivery, or are simply not eligible for a transvaginal cerclage.

The minimally invasive procedure uses robotic techniques to make a 2-inch lower abdominal incision and stitch the transabdominal cerclage (TAC) high on the cervix. The TAC band provides support over the full length of the cervix, resists pressure from the growing fetus, and prevents the cervix from opening, which would lead to pregnancy loss.

Using this approach, surgeons have better control in determining the precise amount of tension around the cervix, making the placement of the cerclage more secure. And because the procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting, patients often return home the same day.

In most cases, the procedure is done before pregnancy. However, TGH and USF Health surgeons have the experience and training to perform TAC surgery during early pregnancy, if necessary.

TGH and USF Health Host Site for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Course and Cadaver Lab

For over five years, TGH and USF Health have been the host site for the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation’s (CAMLS) Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Course and Cadaver Lab.

This minimally invasive surgery course is a cadaver-based, hands-on training that allows gynecologic surgeons to advance their skills and knowledge in laparoscopic surgery.
Surgeons from around the world travel to TGH to attend the two-day course and learn from faculty who represent leaders in the field.

TGH is one of a few hospitals in the U.S. to offer transabdominal cervical cerclage (TAC) to prevent pregnancy loss in patients with the most challenging cases of incompetent cervix.