What is the type of cerclage used in women with shortened cervical length?

Therapeutic cerclage is the appropriate type of cerclage used in women with shortened cervical length. This procedure is indicated when there is a documented risk for cervical incompetence or preterm birth due to cervical shortening, often identified through ultrasound. The goal of therapeutic cerclage is to provide additional support to the cervix, thereby reducing the risk of premature delivery.

This type of cerclage is usually performed in women who have a history of cervical insufficiency or have been found to have a significantly shortened cervix during pregnancy. In these cases, placing a stitch around the cervix helps to maintain its closure until the pregnancy reaches a more viable stage.

Other types of cerclage serve different purposes. Prophylactic cerclage, for instance, is used in women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or cervical incompetence, but it is generally placed before any signs of cervical shortening are present. Emergency cerclage is an urgent intervention for women who show signs of cervical dilation or bulging membranes. Standard cerclage is a more general term that can refer to various types but does not specifically address the clinical scenario of shortened cervical length.