Emergency surgery to save an 18-week-old fetus at risk of serious miscarriage

DNVN - On July 10, the Family General Hospital (Da Nang) announced that the doctors of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of this hospital had just performed a spectacularly successful emergency uterine cerclage, saving an 18-week-old fetus at serious risk of miscarriage.

Ms. TTTN (33 years old, Da Nang ), 18 weeks pregnant, was rushed to the emergency room at Gia Dinh General Hospital due to mild abdominal pain. Doctors examined her and found her cervix was dilated to 4 cm, her amniotic sac was prolapsed, and there was a risk of miscarriage. This is an extremely dangerous obstetric complication, often leading to late miscarriage or very early premature birth, when the fetus is not yet capable of surviving outside the uterus.

Currently, the health of the mother, TTTN, is stable, and she is being monitored at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Gia Dinh Hospital.

According to MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan - Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Gia Dinh Hospital, if a baby is born at this stage, its chances of survival are extremely slim, facing many risks to its health and development. After an emergency consultation, the team of doctors decided to perform an emergency cervical cerclage (Emergent/Rescue Cerclage) technique to keep the fetus safe in the mother's uterus.

"This is a complex procedure, indicated in cases where the cervix is ​​already dilated and there is a very high risk of premature birth, aiming to hold the cervix in place and prevent the fetus from prolapsing. With intense concentration, the doctors skillfully push the prolapsed amniotic membrane back into the uterine cavity and place a firm suture around the cervix, effectively 'sealing' the prematurely open door for the expectant mother," described Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan.

Following the procedure, the pregnant woman's condition stabilized, uterine contractions were controlled, and the fetus continued to develop safely in the womb. Ms. TTTN continued to be closely monitored at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the hospital. Doctors will use supportive methods and advise on appropriate rest and nutrition to ensure the pregnancy is maintained to full term. The sutures will be removed around weeks 36-37 of pregnancy or when there are signs of true labor, so that the baby can be born safely.

Through this, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan advises that most cases of miscarriage due to cervical incompetence are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during prenatal checkups. Therefore, regular prenatal checkups, especially in the second trimester, are very important. Emergency cervical cerclage requires high skill and thorough preparation, especially when the cervix is ​​already significantly dilated and the fetus is very early. Therefore, this procedure should be performed at large obstetric facilities with close collaboration between obstetricians and anesthesiologists to ensure the safest and best treatment for both mother and fetus.

Hai Chau

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/tin-uc/y-te/cap-cuu-giu-lai-thai-nhi-moi-18-tuan-tuoi-co-nguy-co-bi-say-nghiem-trong/20250710095633071