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cerclage

(ser-KLAZH)
A procedure in which a special stitch or band is placed around the cervix to help keep it closed during pregnancy. A cerclage may be done to prevent a miscarriage or premature birth (the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy) due to having a weakened cervix. In a person whose cervix has been removed by surgery, the stitch or band is placed on the lower end of the uterus.
Two-panel drawing showing a cervical cerclage; the panel on the left shows the uterus and the cervix with a cerclage stitch around it. Also shown is the external OS (the opening between the cervix and vagina), the vagina, and part of the pelvic cavity. The panel on the right shows the lower part of the cervix removed and a cerclage stitch around the lower end of the uterus.Enlarge this image in new window
Cervical cerclage. A special stitch is placed around the cervix to help keep it closed during a pregnancy (left panel). If the cervix has been removed by surgery, the stitch is placed on the lower end of the uterus (right panel).
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