Cerclage (/sɜːrˈklɑːʒ/) is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure where a stitch or thread is placed around the cervix during pregnancy to prevent premature birth. The word is derived from the French word "cercler" meaning "to encircle". The spelling of the word is based on the French pronunciation, with the "c" and "e" pronounced separately, and the accent on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation of the word, which is crucial in medical terminology.
Cerclage is a medical term referring to a surgical procedure in which a stitch or suture is placed around the cervix to provide support and reinforce its strength during pregnancy. The cervix is the narrow, lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This procedure is typically performed to prevent early or preterm labor, and is commonly used in cases where the cervix is weak or has a history of failure to remain closed during pregnancy.
The cerclage procedure is usually conducted after the first trimester of pregnancy, around the 12th to 14th week. The main goal is to decrease the risk of the cervix opening too early, which could lead to the premature delivery of the baby or other complications. During the procedure, an obstetrician or surgeon will place a strong stitch around the cervix, which is then tightened to provide support and keep the cervix closed.
Cerclage is considered a relatively safe procedure and can be performed using various techniques, including the McDonald and Shirodkar methods. It is typically recommended for women who have experienced previous premature births, cervical incompetence, or have a short cervix.
After the cerclage is placed, regular monitoring and follow-up examinations are conducted to evaluate the cervix's condition and detect any signs of potential complications. In some cases, the cerclage may need to be removed before the due date to allow for a vaginal delivery.
Overall, cerclage is a surgical intervention performed during pregnancy to strengthen and support the cervix, reducing the risk of premature labor and associated complications.
Binding together the ends of an obliquely fractured bone or the fragments of a broken patella, brought into close apposition, by an encircling wire loop or bandage, tightly drawn, or a ring.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cerclage" has its origins in the French language. It comes from the Old French verb "cercler", which means "to encircle" or "to put a band/ring around". The noun form "cerclage" emerged in modern French and was adopted into the English language, specifically in the medical field. In medicine, "cerclage" refers to a surgical technique in which a stitch or a band is used to encircle or constrict a body part, typically used in procedures such as cervical cerclage or ocular cerclage.