Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Laparoscopic Non-Mesh Cerclage Pectopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: September 13, 2022
The prevalence and timing of cervical cerclage placement in multiple gestations
B V Parilla1, E I Haney, S N MacGregor
1Section of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Evanston-Northwestern Healthcare, Northwestern University Medical School, Evanston, IL, USA. bparilla@enh.org
Objectives:
To investigate the prevalence and timing of cervical cerclage placement in multiple gestations.
Methods:
Our perinatal database was queried for all multiple gestations delivered at Evanston Hospital from 12/95 through 12/00. This list was then cross-matched with billing and medical records for 'incompetent cervix' and 'cerclage.' The medical records of all deliveries
Results:
There were 802 deliveries of multiple gestations >/=14 weeks over a 5-year period. The number of patients that underwent cerclage placement was 29 or 3.6%. The mean gestational age at cerclage placement was 18.6+/-4.5 weeks (range 11-24.6). Twelve were elective or prophylactic while 17 were 'urgent' or 'emergent.' The mean gestational age for the 17 emergent cerclages was 21.4+/-2.2 weeks (range 16.6-24.6). When compared with those patients who did not undergo cerclage placement, there was no difference in maternal demographics including age, parity, or previous full-term delivery. There was a significant difference in the gestational age at delivery for the cerclage vs. no cerclage group; 29.3+/-5.6 vs. 34.4+/-4.6 weeks, respectively, and in the frequency of losses at
Conclusions:
The relatively low prevalence of cervical incompetence in our multiple gestations does not justify prophylactic cervical cerclage placement. Expectant management with serial cervical examinations starting at 16-18 weeks appears more prudent.
