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Cervical cerclage
CERVICAL STITCH
Cervical cerclage is when a female's cervix is stitched close, in order to prevent it opening early during pregnancy
Why would I need a cervical cerclage?
If your cervix (neck of the womb) is weak, it is at risk of opening too early during pregnancy. This can lead to a miscarriage or preterm delivery. The cervix is therefore stitched close to minimise this risk.
Your gynaecological consultant can identify if and when your cervix requires treatment.
Need to know
Cerclage will be carried out under local or regional anaesthetic (such as a spinal injection). The surgical procedure is usually done through the vagina. Firstly, a speculum (an instrument with paddles shaped like spoons) is inserted into the vagina. This will spread the vaginal walls.
The surgery itself may then be done in the following ways:
- The outside of the cervix can be stitched
- Special tape can be tied in place around the cervix and stitched in place
- A very small incision is made in the cervix. This allows a special tape to be tied through the incision and the cervix to be closed
Your consultant will explain how best to prepare for cerclage of the cervix, answering any questions you might have.
After surgery, your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.
Immediately following the procedure, the recovery process may include:
- You will be cared for in a separate hospital room for four to six hours
- You can go you home once you are able to walk and pass urine. This is unless a doctor feels it best you stay overnight in hospital
- When you arrive home, you should rest for 48 hours. You may experience slight abdominal pain and/or vaginal bleeding
- After one week you should be able to resume normal daily activities
- Your consultant will advise you on when to attend a follow-up appointment
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Our {{EntityName}} consultants
Mr Arvind Mittal
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Mr Ramesan Navaratnarajah
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Dr Jonathan Lai
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Dr Panicos Shangaris
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Our {{EntityName}} locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.