Cervical Cerclage: Does the Location of the Suture Placement Make a Difference?

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of cervical cerclage is to prevent or treat cervical insufficiency. The goal of the study was to investigate the correlation between the location of the cerclage suture within the cervix and its efficacy in preventing preterm birth. Materials and methods: Sixty-seven images of the cervix performed within two weeks of cerclage placement were extracted from the sonographic database and collected. The location of cerclage was divided into three categories: within the vicinity of the internal os, in the middle portion of the cervix, and in the vicinity of the external os. Gestational age at delivery was analyzed in the groups. Results: In 26 patients, the suture was identified in the vicinity of the internal os. Most of these patients delivered between 34 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. In 29 patients, the suture was located in the middle portion of the cervix. Most of these patients delivered between 33 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. The third group consisted of 12 patients, in whom cervical cerclages were detected in the lower third of the cervix in the vicinity of external os. Five of the 12 patients delivered prior to 30 weeks of pregnancy; the rest delivered between 30 and 34 weeks. Conclusion: Our experience links the sonographically detected cerclage location with pregnancy outcome.