Cervical Cerclage

What is cervical cerclage?

Cervical cerclage is a procedure where Dr. Tajzoy inserts sutures or tape to support your cervix during pregnancy. In most cases, he completes cervical cerclage by accessing your cervix through your vaginal opening, although sometimes he may need to perform the procedure through your abdomen.

Dr. Tajzoy is among the few OB/GYNs who offer transabdominal cerclage (TAC). This robotically assisted laparoscopic procedure involves placing a cerclage through a small incision in your lower abdomen. Laparoscopic TACs offer numerous benefits, including reduced scarring, shorter recovery time, and minimal risk of complications.

Why would I need cervical cerclage?

Dr. Tajzoy suggests cervical cerclage procedures when your cervix is at risk of opening too early in your pregnancy or if it starts to open before your baby is ready to be born.

Before you become pregnant, your cervix is long, firm, and closed. However, as your pregnancy progresses, your cervix naturally softens and shortens in preparation for your delivery. Eventually, your cervix begins to open in a process call dilation, which is one of the signs your labor has started.

If your cervix is weak, which is sometimes medically referred to as incompetent, it may soften and begin to open prematurely. If this happens, you may miscarry or have an early delivery.

What happens during cervical cerclage?

Dr. Tajzoy performs cervical cerclage as an outpatient procedure. You recline on a treatment table as you do during a pelvic exam, and he inserts a speculum to hold your vagina open during the procedure. He holds your cervix still using a small pair of forceps and either places sutures in your cervix or applies a special surgical tape.

Dr. Tajzoy uses either the MacDonald or Shirodkar surgical technique to place your sutures or tape. In rare cases, he will need to access your cervix through an incision in your abdomen to place the sutures.

After your procedure, you can go home to rest and recover. You will have frequent appointments for Dr. Tajzoy to monitor your pregnancy and check on the state of your cervix.

What happens when it is time to deliver my baby?

If you have a transvaginal cerclage, Dr. Tajzoy removes your sutures at your 37th week of pregnancy in an outpatient procedure. Depending on your condition and if you need to have a cesarean section delivery, he may leave the sutures in place until after your baby is born. Every woman has different needs, and Dr. Tajzoy provides customized advice and guidance throughout your pregnancy.

Call Emil Tajzoy, MD, or schedule a consultation online today, especially if you have a history of premature delivery or late-term miscarriage.