Why is Laparoscopic Cervical Cerclage Performed? (FAQ’s)
Laparoscopic cervical cerclage (or LCC) is a surgical procedure that involves placing a special stitch around the cervix to prevent preterm labor or miscarriage in women at risk of delivering their baby too early. It’s performed by an OB/GYN under general anesthesia, most often in the patient’s second trimester (between weeks 14 and 27 of pregnancy). At this point, the cervix has started to open slightly, making it easier to close with the stitch.
What is cervical cerclage?
The cervix is a tube-like structure in the center of the uterus that connects it to the vagina. It changes during each menstrual cycle, opening (dilating) and then becoming tight again. During pregnancy, the cervix changes more slowly as it prepares for labor and birth. In cervical cerclage, a cervical stitch or band is placed around the neck of the cervix to help prevent preterm birth in women with a short cervical length on examination by sonogram.
Who should consider laparoscopic cervical cerclage?
You may need laparoscopic cervical cerclage if you have pain in your abdomen, lower back pain, a history of heavy bleeding during your periods or after birth (postpartum), or vaginal bleeding that starts between the 18th and 20th week of pregnancy. You may also need Laparoscopic Cervical Cerclage in Coimbatore if you have been diagnosed with placenta previa. This procedure should not be performed if you are at risk for fetal death as a result of its use.
When should I do laparoscopic cervical cerclage over my standard approach?
Laparoscopic cervical cerclage can be used when my standard procedure will not give the patient the desired result, or if I feel that a woman would have better pregnancy outcomes by having it. Women who are in their second trimester of pregnancy, for example, can undergo laparoscopic cervical cerclage to remove excess amniotic fluid from around the baby’s head and restrict it so that labor cannot start too early.
How long will I be in the hospital after my procedure?
The time required in the hospital will vary based on a variety of factors, including the extent of your procedure and your general health. When you arrive at our hospital, you will be admitted as an outpatient and taken to the pre-operative area to meet with one of our anesthesiologists to discuss any anesthesia concerns or any questions that you may have about the procedure.
How long will it take me to recover from my procedure at home?
The recovery time for this procedure at home will depend on the severity of your cervical dilation and the length of your fibroids. It will typically take 2 to 4 weeks before you are feeling better but it can be as much as 8 weeks. However, most women who have this procedure done at home can return to work in 10 days to 2 weeks.
How many weeks pregnant can I be when I have this surgery done to close my cervix?
For the best outcomes, this surgery should be done as soon as possible following diagnosis. The best age for a cervical cerclage surgery to be performed during pregnancy ranges from 12-14 weeks of gestation.
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