Transabdominal Cerclage

A very small number of women with cervical incompetence treated with a vaginal cerclage may still suffer preterm delivery. There are also a small number of women who have too little cervical length to allow for vaginal cerclage placement. In this subset of women, a transabdominal cerclage (TAC) may provide the support they need to successfully carry a pregnancy. TAC placement requires entering the maternal abdomen through an incision (like a cesarean section incision) or through laparoscopy. The TAC allows a suture for structural support to be placed much higher on the cervix/lower uterus to provide the needed support to carry a pregnancy. Once placed, the TAC remains in place even after delivery. Patients with a TAC require a Cesarean section for delivery of their baby.