cervical cerclage
Pronunciation: SER-klahzh
A surgical procedure to place a stitch around the cervix to prevent premature opening during pregnancy.
Full Definition
Cervical cerclage is a surgical intervention where sutures are placed around the cervix to provide mechanical support and prevent cervical incompetence. The procedure may be performed prophylactically in patients with a history of cervical insufficiency or as an emergency intervention when cervical shortening is detected. There are two main types: McDonald cerclage (a purse-string suture) and Shirodkar cerclage (a more complex buried suture technique). The timing of cerclage placement and removal requires careful consideration of maternal and fetal risks.
Usage
Usage note: Often shortened to just 'cerclage' in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient underwent cervical cerclage at 14 weeks gestation due to a history of second-trimester pregnancy loss." — Operative report
- "Cervical cerclage was contraindicated given the presence of chorioamnionitis." — Clinical consultation note