Liverpool Women’s Hospital offers new procedure to reduce late miscarriages and premature births

Liverpool Women’s University Hospital has successfully launched a specialist surgical procedure designed to help women reduce the risk of late miscarriage and premature birth in future pregnancies.

The laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (LAP TAC) procedure involves placing a stitch high around the cervix through the abdomen, using keyhole surgery to keep the cervix closed during pregnancy.

Previously available only in Manchester, this procedure is now being offered locally at Liverpool Women’s, welcoming referrals from other hospitals within the region.

Under the expertise of Consultant Gynaecologist Kenneth Ma from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the Gynaecology team at Liverpool Women’s performed their first three LAP TAC operations, all completed successfully.

Marwa Fakhreldin, Consultant in Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, expressed gratitude towards Mr Ma for his mentorship and welcomed the milestone as a significant advancement for regional maternal care.

"As one of the leading maternity units in the Northwest region, it was very important to offer the service back to our patients because they were sent everywhere else."

This new development allows women to access highly specialised care closer to home, enhancing pregnancy support and improving prospects for carrying a baby safely for longer.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.