This is a Video lecture on How to Perform Cervical Cerclage. Cervical cerclage, also known as a cervical stitch, is a treatment for cervical weakness when the cervix starts to shorten and open too early during pregnancy causing either a late miscarriage or preterm birth.




Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure that is typically performed by a qualified obstetrician or gynecologist. It involves stitching the cervix closed to prevent it from opening too soon during pregnancy.

If you have concerns about cervical insufficiency or preterm labor, I recommend that you consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual situation and determine if cervical cerclage is appropriate for you. They can also provide you with more information about the procedure, the risks, and the expected outcomes.

If your healthcare provider determines that cervical cerclage is appropriate for you, they will provide you with detailed instructions about how to prepare for the procedure. This may include fasting before the surgery, stopping certain medications, or undergoing additional testing.

During the procedure, you will be placed under general anesthesia, which means you will be unconscious throughout the surgery. Your healthcare provider will use a speculum to hold open the walls of your vagina, and they will then place a stitch around the cervix to hold it closed. The stitch is usually made of strong thread or wire, and it will be removed around week 36 of your pregnancy to allow for a safe vaginal delivery.

After the procedure, you will need to avoid sexual activity and strenuous exercise for several weeks to allow the cervix time to heal. Your healthcare provider will also monitor your pregnancy closely to ensure that the cerclage is holding and that your baby is developing normally.

It is important to remember that cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure and, like all medical procedures, it carries some risks. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure and help you make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.

Cervical cerclage can be an effective way to reduce the risk of premature birth or miscarriage in women who have a weakened cervix or a history of premature delivery. By stitching the cervix closed, cervical cerclage helps to provide additional support to the cervix during pregnancy, reducing the risk of it opening too soon and leading to premature delivery.

Some potential advantages of cervical cerclage include:

Reduced risk of premature delivery: Cervical cerclage can help to reduce the risk of premature delivery in women who are at risk due to a weakened cervix or a history of premature delivery.

Increased chance of carrying the baby to full term: By providing additional support to the cervix, cervical cerclage can increase the chance of carrying the baby to full term, which is generally considered to be 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Improved chances of a successful pregnancy: For women who have experienced repeated miscarriages or premature deliveries due to a weakened cervix, cervical cerclage can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Minimal risks: Although all medical procedures carry some degree of risk, cervical cerclage is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure, with a low risk of complications.

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the site of the incision.

Bleeding: Cervical cerclage can cause some bleeding, especially immediately after the procedure.

Preterm labor: In some cases, cervical cerclage can actually trigger preterm labor or cause the cervix to open too early, which could lead to premature delivery.

Cervical trauma: The procedure itself can cause some trauma to the cervix, which could lead to scarring or other complications.

Allergic reaction: Some women may have an allergic reaction to the materials used for the cerclage stitch.

Rupture of membranes: In rare cases, cervical cerclage can cause the membranes surrounding the baby to rupture, which could lead to premature delivery.

Incompetent cerclage: In some cases, the cerclage may not provide enough support to the cervix, which could lead to premature delivery.

Like any surgical procedure, cervical cerclage carries some risks of complications. Some potential complications of cervical cerclage include:

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the site of the incision.

Bleeding: Cervical cerclage can cause some bleeding, especially immediately after the procedure.

Preterm labor: In some cases, cervical cerclage can actually trigger preterm labor or cause the cervix to open too early, which could lead to premature delivery.

Cervical trauma: The procedure itself can cause some trauma to the cervix, which could lead to scarring or other complications.

Allergic reaction: Some women may have an allergic reaction to the materials used for the cerclage stitch.

Rupture of membranes: In rare cases, cervical cerclage can cause the membranes surrounding the baby to rupture, which could lead to premature delivery.

Incompetent cerclage: In some cases, the cerclage may not provide enough support to the cervix, which could lead to premature delivery.

Difficulty with urinary function: In some cases, cervical cerclage can cause urinary problems such as difficulty emptying the bladder or urinary tract infections.

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the site of the incision.

Bleeding: Cervical cerclage can cause some bleeding, especially immediately after the procedure.

Preterm labor: In some cases, cervical cerclage can actually trigger preterm labor or cause the cervix to open too early, which could lead to premature delivery.

Cervical trauma: The procedure itself can cause some trauma to the cervix, which could lead to scarring or other complications.

Allergic reaction: Some women may have an allergic reaction to the materials used for the cerclage stitch.

Rupture of membranes: In rare cases, cervical cerclage can cause the membranes surrounding the baby to rupture, which could lead to premature delivery.

Incompetent cerclage: In some cases, the cerclage may not provide enough support to the cervix, which could lead to premature delivery.

Difficulty with urinary function: In some cases, cervical cerclage can cause urinary problems such as difficulty emptying the bladder or urinary tract infections.

Cervical incompetence: In rare cases, cervical cerclage can cause the cervix to become weaker over time, leading to cervical incompetence, where the cervix is unable to support the weight of the growing fetus.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of cervical cerclage with your healthcare provider, who can help you make an informed decision about whether the procedure is appropriate for you. Your healthcare provider will also monitor you closely during and after the procedure to ensure that any complications are identified and treated promptly.