Cervical Cerclage: Treatment, Procedure, Cost, And Side Effects

Cervical Cerclage refers to a way of keeping the cervix closed while pregnancy so that it could prevent premature birth. A weakened cervix may lead to premature birth at times. Cervical cerclage is a secure process to keep the fetus safe until the right time comes. Sutures are placed by specialized doctors to keep the cervix intact.

summary- Cervical cerclage is often recommended for those women who have a weak cervix which may lead to some critical problems during pregnancy. This procedure helps to fix the incompetent cervix.

Cervical cerclage is advised to fix certain issues regarding the cervix which may result in some extreme problems later on. Some of these reasons are-

• Damaged cervix leading to miscarriage
• Incompetent cervix
• Post-surgery issues, etc.

summary- These above-stated reasons often require cervical cerclage procedures. It helps to avoid particularly miscarriages during pregnancy.

Doctors follow some pre-planned distinct steps before during and after the surgery. Before commencing the surgery, they run some lab tests, ultrasounds, and other tests for the patients. They carefully observe all the test results. They also take a detailed overview of the patient’s health history.

Before initiating the procedure, the doctors are likely to ask about any past miscarriages or any other mishappening during pregnancy. Cervix is examined carefully. Some important test like PAP and transvaginal ultrasound is also advised for the patient. It is ordered to abstain from sexual intercourse at least 1 week before this surgery too.

During the procedure, the patient is lying back on the examination table with open legs and both feet in stirrup. To lessen the pain and discomfort throughout the entire surgery, doctors use a local anaesthetic. After numbing the cervical area by inducing local anesthesia, doctors start to stitch the cervix. These stitches are secured with the help of strong sutures.

The patient is monitored for a few hours after the treatment is finished. Patients can take discharged from the hospital same day. It is also advised to take proper rest post-surgery. However, the patient may feel some discomfort but it can be tackled easily.

summary- It is very important to discuss pre and post-surgical processes with the doctor. We must be aware of all the procedures prior to the surgery.

We must not put too much stress on our bodies after the cervical cerclage procedure. It is crucial to take proper rest and a nutritious diet to smoothen the recovery phase. We should avoid junk foods and other eatables that may flare up the adverse effects of cervical cerclage. Sexual intercourse should abstain for a certain period of time. We must refrain from strenuous or heavy exercises.

summary- We must follow the post-treatment guidelines to speed up the recovery process. We should be careful towards our health during this period of time.

Along with the benefits, cervical cerclage also possesses some well-known complications, such as-

• Infection
• Preterm labor
• Damage to cervix
• Scar tissue on the cervix
• Bleeding
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Cervical stenosis, etc.

summary- These risks are often accompanied by cervical cerclage procedures. However, they can be tackled with the help of medications.

Cervical cerclage is usually removed at the 37th week of pregnancy. It is left until the pregnancy reaches its full term. Doctors remove the stitches and sutures easily. It merely takes a few minutes to remove cervical cerclage. However, it may be necessary to remove it if the water bag bursts earlier or labor pain starts before time.

summary- Cervical cerclage can be removed by an experienced doctor only. It can be eradicated early if needed.

Since cervical cerclage involves surgical procedures therefore it is a little costly. Its price may range from 30,000-90,000 in India. This procedure involves several clinical examination processes. That is why the costs are quite higher. Despite these, it is available everywhere out there.

summary- It involves certain lab tests, observations, and a lot of equipment to carry out the surgery. Therefore, it has higher cost issues.

Cervical cerclage is a secure way to prevent adverse consequences resulting from a weakened cervix. The cervix is tightened with the help of several stitches and sutures. It helps to prevent miscarriages and premature births. It accompanies some complications too but they can be handled easily.

summary- Cervical cerclage must be done under the supervision of an experienced doctor or healthcare professional only.