The Effectiveness of Double Cervical Cerclage and Bed Rest in Managing Complete Cervical Incompetence During the Second Trimester: A Case Presentation

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Authors: Dimitrios Christakopoulos, Andreas Dimopoulos, Alexandros Trompoukis, Eleni Tsiampa
Cited by: 0
References: 7

Abstract

Cervical insufficiency is a known cause of recurrent pregnancy loss and preterm delivery. Although cervical cerclage is the primary management option, some patients require additional reinforcement due to cervical failure. This report describes a 45-year-old woman with a history of 5 second-trimester miscarriages who conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using a donor oocyte. A prophylactic Shirodkar cerclage was placed at 12 weeks of gestation. Despite this, an ultrasound at 23 weeks showed funneling and almost complete loss of cervical length. A second emergency Shirodkar cerclage was inserted. The patient was hospitalized, maintained in the Trendelenburg position, and treated with tocolytics, antibiotics, progesterone, corticosteroids, and thromboprophylaxis while on strict bed rest. Cervical stability and fetal well-being were closely monitored until term. At 37 weeks and four days, a cesarean section was performed due to breech presentation after removal of both sutures, resulting in the delivery of a healthy female infant. This case demonstrates that a second cervical cerclage can successfully maintain pregnancy up to term in cases of complete cervical insufficiency when the initial suture fails. The favorable outcome suggests that, in carefully selected patients, a double cerclage combined with comprehensive supportive management may help achieve term delivery. Although bed rest was implemented, its specific contribution remains uncertain and should be viewed as an adjunctive rather than a definitive therapeutic measure.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Preterm Birth and Chorioamnionitis Reproductive Health and Contraception Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
e101372–e101372
Publication date
12 January 2026
Language
EN