Cervical cerclage for short cervix on transvaginal ultrasound: Review of effectiveness in preventing preterm birth

Abstract

Preterm birth remains one of the most important predictors of fetal morbidity and mortality. Measurement of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasound in the second trimester has been proposed as an effective screening tool in women at high risk of preterm birth and cervical cerclage has been used for over 50 years as a method of preventing preterm delivery related to cervical insufficiency. This review examines the evidence of the effectiveness of therapeutic cerclage following measurement of short cervix on transvaginal ultrasound in preventing preterm birth. Patient populations in which ultrasound-indicated cerclage has been demonstrated to have unique benefit were identified and implications for future research are discussed.