Balloon cervicoplasty: a simplified technique for correction of isolated cervical atresia

ObjectivesTo test the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a simplified surgical alternative for the formation of a new cervix in patients with isolated cervical aplasia.Study designA case series of six patients with complete cervical atresia (four primary and two secondary) were included. A silicone Foley catheter sutured to the distal end of a sharp curved long inserter was inserted laparoscopically, and left in utero inflated and subject to downward traction for one menstrual cycle. Clinical and sonographic follow-up were done. The main outcome measures were operative time, complication rate, tolerability of traction, reintervention rate, width and length of the newly formed cervix and postoperative menstrual pattern.ResultsThe results were satisfactory (normal length and width of new cervix by high-resolution 2D ultrasonography), without complications, with acceptable tolerability and normal menstrual pattern.ConclusionsBoth clinical and sonographic follow-up confirmed that balloon cervicoplasty is a simple, fast, tolerable, safe and available laparoscopically guided procedure. It can be easily performed by any gynecologist with basic laparoscopic expertise.