Transabdominal Cerclage

Cervical incompetence is a condition that causes the cervix to open prematurely, causing pregnancy loss or premature delivery. A robotically assisted transabdominal cerclage is a minimally invasive procedure that treats this condition and helps you reduce the risk associated with an incompetent cervix.

During the TAC procedure, you’ll be under general anesthesia. Dr. Williams will make a small incision into the lower abdomen to visualize the cervix. He’ll place a non-absorbable suture around the cervix at the level of the internal os (the opening of the cervix to the uterus).

Dr. Williams will secure the suture to create a tight band around the cervix to hold it closed, giving your body the best ability to carry your baby to full term.

The best time for a TAC procedure is between pregnancies, which is called interval placement. However in certain cases we can offer placement during a pregnancy. This is typically done at 14 weeks and is dependent on the prior pregnancy history.

With the older ‘open’ technique, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and pain management. The newer robotic technique allows patients to go home the same day as the procedure is done. If you are traveling from out of town, a post op visit can be made for the next morning. You may have some discomfort or pain at the incision site, but you can manage it with pain medication from our office. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few weeks after the procedure to allow your body to heal.

TAC is considered a more permanent solution than other cervical cerclage procedures and is left in place after a successful pregnancy.

One potential complication of TAC is bladder injury during the procedure, which can occur if the bladder is not moved aside carefully enough. Another potential complication is an infection at the site of the incision. However, these complications are not common.