[Cervical incompetence after previous cervical dilatation and curettage (author's transl)].

Out of a total of 3502 deliveries over a period of two years 254 patients (7.25%) had a surgical closure of the cervix according to Shirodkar because of cervical incompetence. All 3502 records were reviewed with regard to previous obstetrical and gynecological history. In the group with Shirodkar operation the percentage of women with a history of spontaneous or induced abortions was almost twice as high as in the comparison group. The reason for the development of cervical incompetence could be a trauma to the endocervix due to mechanical dilatation since diagnostic or therapeutic dilatation and curettage was found five times more often in women with Shirodkar operation than in patients without cervical incompetence. The results show that dilatation and curettage for any indication should be performed as carefully as possible, especially in younger women of childbearing age. Chemical dilatation of the endocervix--for example with prostaglandins--seems to be preferable to mechanical dilatation.