Surgical Procedures for Preterm Labor and Delivery
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In rare cases, preterm labor is due to weak connective tissue in the cervix that allows the cervix to open too early. One option to treat this weak tissue is cervical cerclage. In this procedure, your doctor stitches a band of strong thread around your cervix to help hold it closed. You will be given anesthesia to numb the area or to put you asleep during this procedure. The band is removed at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy to allow for normal delivery.
References:
Cervical cerclage. Maternal and Infant Care Clinic. University of Washington Medical Center website. Available at: http://depts.washington.edu/dippweb/micc-cervcerc.pdf . Accessed September 26, 2005.
Premature birth. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=DB81ABF4-378D-453B-AFD7BF32AD6F01E7&dsection=1 . Accessed September 26, 2005.
Last reviewed June 2007 by Jeff Andrews, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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