Safety of outpatient cerclage.

One hundred one women who underwent scheduled McDonald cerclage were studied. Fifty outpatients were reviewed prospectively, and 51 inpatients were studied retrospectively and concurrently. Forty-five outpatients and 48 inpatients completed pregnancy. The fetal outcomes were similar for both groups, with no significant differences in the number of complications for newborn infants. The average cost of the procedure (exclusive of physician fees) for outpatient cerclage was $546 and for inpatient, $1,174. The difference clearly shows the cost-effectiveness of outpatient cerclage.