What is Cervical Cerclage & How is it Applied?

Cervical cerclage is a type of surgical procedure performed to prevent adverse situations that may occur due to early opening of the cervix, especially during pregnancy. This procedure is usually applied to pregnant women who are at risk due to preterm births or miscarriages in the past. Cervical cerclage supports the cervix and contributes to a healthy continuation of pregnancy. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give detailed information about what cervical cerclage is, to whom it is applied and how it is done.

What Is Cervical Cerclage?

Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure to prevent premature opening of the cervix. This procedure aims to narrow the cervix using a suture or tape to close the cervix tightly and keep it that way for the duration of the pregnancy. In this way, the risk of premature opening of the cervix and the fall of the baby is minimized. Cervical cerclage is usually performed in the early second trimester and remains in place until delivery.

To Whom Is Cervical Cerclage Applied?

Cervical cerclage is usually applied to pregnant women in the following situations;

• Premature births or miscarriages in the past,
• Those diagnosed with cervical insufficiency,
• Those who show signs of shortening or opening of the cervix during pregnancy,
• Those who have undergone cervical cerclage before and have had successful results,

Cervical cerclage is applied only in high-risk pregnancies and in line with the doctor’s recommendation. It is not routinely applied in every pregnancy.

How Is Cervical Cerclage Applied?

Cervical cerclage procedure is usually performed in the hospital and requires the patient to be kept under observation for a while. Before the procedure, the patient is given general or spinal anesthesia. The cervix is then cleaned and closed tightly with sutures or tape. After the procedure, it is recommended that the patient rest for a while and be kept under observation.

There is a risk of mild bleeding, cramping or infection after the procedure. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and to have regular check-ups. Pregnant women who underwent cervical cerclage should be carefully monitored until the delivery period and should be followed up for signs of preterm labor. During the birth process, the cervix is opened by loosening the suture or tape and delivery is performed.

In Which Situations Is Cervical Cerclage Applied?

Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure performed to prevent premature opening of the cervix and to preserve pregnancy. This procedure is applied in pregnancies at risk of miscarriage or premature birth and is usually performed between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. . The reasons for applying cervical cerclage are as follows;

The cervix may open prematurely due to inadequate closure of the cervix, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. In this case, cervical cerclage is applied to close the cervix and maintain the pregnancy.

These recurrent risks can be prevented by applying cervical cerclage in women who have experienced miscarriage or premature birth in their previous pregnancies.

A shorter-than-normal cervix can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. In this case, cervical cerclage is applied to preserve the pregnancy.

Multiple pregnancies have a higher risk of miscarriage and premature birth. In this case, doctors can evaluate the cervical cerclage and protect the pregnancy.

Abnormalities in the shape of the cervix due to congenital or previous surgeries may be among the reasons for the application of cervical cerclage.

The application of cervical cerclage is dependent on the physician’s assessment and the patient’s condition. The procedure is planned according to the duration of pregnancy, the length of the cervix and the general health of the patient.

What Are Cervical Cerclage Application Methods?

Cervical cerclage procedure can be applied with different techniques. The procedure is usually performed under local or spinal anesthesia. Cervical cerclage application methods are as follows;

McDonald Technique; In this method, the cervix is closed by stitching around the cervix. Stitches are left in place until the end of pregnancy and are removed before labor begins. This technique is the most widely used cervical cerclage method.

Shirodkar Technique; Similar to the McDonald technique, sutures are placed around the cervix. However, in this method, the sutures are embedded in the cervix and removed after delivery.

Lash Technique; In this method, the mucous tissue inside the cervix is removed before suturing around the cervix. Then sutures are placed around the cervix. This technique can be used where previous cerclage methods have not been successful.

Transabdominal Cerclage; This method is a surgical procedure performed through the abdominal wall to suture around the cervix. It is generally preferred in cases where previous cervical cerclage methods have failed.

Cervical cerclage methods are determined by the doctor’s evaluation and the patient’s condition. The success of the procedure depends on the method applied, the general health status of the patient and the pregnancy process. Cervical cerclage can help preserve pregnancy by reducing the risk of miscarriage and preterm delivery. However, the success of the procedure is not always guaranteed and in some cases can lead to complications. Therefore, it is important to carefully follow the doctor’s recommendations before and after the application of cervical cerclage

When Should Cervical Cerclage Sutures Be Taken?

Cervical cerclage sutures are usually removed at 37 weeks of pregnancy. This period is sufficient for the baby to be able to deliver and to prevent premature birth complications. Doctors determine the time of removal of the sutures according to the patient’s condition, the course of pregnancy and possible complications.

Removing stitches is generally considered a simple and quick procedure. In this procedure, which is performed under local anesthesia, the sutures are cut and the cervix begins to open naturally. In this process, the patient is kept under observation for a while and checked for any complications.

After the stitches are removed, the birth process is expected to begin. If labor does not begin, doctors may administer medication to induce labor or schedule a cesarean delivery. In any case, removal of cervical cerclage sutures is an important step for a healthy termination of pregnancy.

What Are the Risks of Cervical Cerclage?

Although cervical cerclage is a procedure done to reduce the risk of preterm delivery, it may involve some risks. These risks can bring potential complications for both mother and baby. The risks of cervical cerclage can be listed as follows;

• There may be a risk of infection during or after the procedure. This can lead to inflammation of the uterus and surrounding tissues and cause serious health problems.

• Bleeding may occur during or after cervical cerclage. This condition can be dangerous for mother and baby and may require immediate attention.

• Although the procedure aims to reduce the risk of preterm birth, it can trigger preterm labor in some cases.

• Rupture of the cervix can occur during or after the cervical cerclage procedure. This may require immediate intervention and may lead to termination of pregnancy.

• The anesthesia used during the cervical cerclage procedure may cause allergic reactions or other complications in some patients.

• During the procedure, although the likelihood of harm to the baby is low, there may be risks to the baby in some cases.

The risks of cervical cerclage are carefully evaluated by doctors before and after the procedure. It is important for patients to have open communication with their doctor about the risks and benefits and to ask any questions they may have. In this way, cervical cerclage procedure can be considered as the most suitable option for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Cervical Cerclage Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Cervical Cerclage Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.