Can a transabdominal cerclage be performed before pregnancy?

Yes: Transabdominal, or shirodkar, cerclages are normally done prior to pregnancy. They are dsigned to stay in since the uterine tissues grow over them. If you have one, you need to have a cesarean section for delivery. They are done less frequently than the cervical cerclage (macdonald) that can be done during the second trimester of pregnancy. These are removed prior to labor.

Yes: Yes, they can be placed before pregnancy. Of course delivery would be via c-section.

Yes: Most cerclages are done vaginally using a technique called the mcdonald cerclage.This is done around 12-14 weeks. In rare cases some patients need an abdominal cerclage. This is done before pregnancy if possible. It stays in and the patient will need to be delivered by c section.

Yes: Abdominal cerclage can be done before pregnancy, and is actually much easier to do prior to pregnancy. It is often done, however, during pregnancy because the need for the cerclage isn't always known prior to pregnancy. Abdominal cerclage can be done via a laparotomy (open procedure) or laparoscopically. Laparoscopic is preferable to most people, but requires specialized skills to perform.

Yes: Transabdominal cerclage is more risky than the typical cerclage done through the vagina, and women who need one cannot always find a local surgeon with enough experience to perform the procedure safely. It is best for a woman to speak with a local OB and find out if any cerclage is needed and who are the most experienced physicians to determine if this one is indicated and to perform the procedure.