Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
Laparoscopic Extracorporeal Knot-Tying for Uterine Vessel Occlusion during Hysterectomy with Cervical Cerclage in Large Uteri
Published on: September 12, 2025
Suture type and ultrasound-indicated cerclage efficacy
Vincenzo Berghella1, Jeff M Szychowski, John Owen
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. vincenzo.berghella@jefferson.edu
Objective:
To assess whether type of suture material affects cerclage efficacy for preterm birth (PTB) prevention.
Methods:
Secondary analysis of a multicenter trial of ultrasound-indicated cerclage for short cervical length (CL), in which women with prior spontaneous PTB at 16-33 6/7 weeks, a singleton gestation and CL < 25 mm between 16-22 6/7 weeks, were randomized to McDonald cerclage or no cerclage. Outcomes of women who underwent cerclage were analyzed by type of suture material, comparing polyester braided thread (Mersilene™ or Ethibond™) to Mersilene tape™. Primary outcome was PTB < 35 weeks.
Results:
138 women underwent McDonald cerclage: 84 (61%) received polyester braided thread and 46 (33%) Mersilene tape™. Eight (6%) received monofilament suture and were excluded from analysis. Rates of PTB < 35 weeks were similar, 35% for polyester braided thread vs 24% for Mersilene tape™ (p = .24). Birth gestational age was also similar among the 2 groups (p = .18).
Conclusion:
Type of suture material may not affect ultrasound-indicated cerclage efficacy in high-risk women with short CL, but further study is needed. Polyester braided thread (Mersilene™ or Ethibond™) and polyester braided Mersilene tape™ seem to have similar efficacy.
