I have had 5 cerclages over time. It is really a relatively easy surgery, usually only takes about 15-30 minutes to place. Most of the time they will place it with an epidural or spinal. In my experience I had never been offered the general and really other than the nervousness of having it done a general isn't needed in my opinion for a MacDonald type or Shirodkar. Of course each case is different and doctors have different preferences. When you first arrive they will take blood samples and start an IV. An anesthesiologist will come and discuss options for medications to be given. You will then be wheeled into the operating room to begin. You will lay on your back and your legs will be placed in very high stirrups or what look like canvas slings. You will not feel any pain sensations during or when the procedure begins. What you will feel however is some tugging and pulling as they get you into the necessary position to place the stitch. Once the procedure is over you will be wheeled into recovery and they will monitor your blood pressure and temperature. They will also check the baby's heart rate to reassure you. Sometimes they may even do an ultrasound to take a peek. Once your anesthetic wears off you will rest to check for heavy bleeding and if all looks okay you will be on your way. All my cerclages with the exception of 2 have been outpatient procedures (go home about 4 hours later). After the procedure you are usually advised to take it easy resting for several days. Chances are they will send you home with instructions to take Tylenol for aches and pain. You may or may not experience cramping after the procedure for which they can give you medication to help minimize them. It won't feel like horrible pain, just uncomfortable cramping like a bad period. I have had all different experiences afterwards. I had cerclages where I had hardly any cramping afterwards and other times the cramping was very uncomfortable so they gave me a shot of Terbutaline and a small 1/2 dose of demerol. Sometimes you will experience minimal spotting afterwards as well for several days. Other than being a little sore after the procedure from the funny position they place you in to do surgery you should feel ok. Your back may be sore also from the epidural or spinal. The whole cerclage procedure sounds scarier than it actually is to go through it. I would never have done 5 pregnancies with cerclages if it was a horrible procedure. You will not feel the stitch in your cervix. Sometimes during the pregnancy you may feel a twinge or so here and there, but you would have that checked out if it becomes a problem. When you leave the hospital, most will give you a handout for going home instructions. Some of these instructions may include to report any signs of: increased discharge with funny odor, heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour) burning, itching, fever over 101, heavy cramping with any kind of frequent pattern to it. Of course you should always call regardless of the list if you feel you need to. After the procedure you can expect that you will have some degree of spotting or bleeding. Some cerclages I had red bleeding for just a couple hours. Another cerclage I had faint pink spotting for a day or two then brown for a few days. Finally another cerclage I spotted pink for an hour. Ask your doctor what he expects for you. NEW Additional Resources: http://www.obiakorobgyn.com/medical/crs/cerclage.htm http://www.beryl.net/htl/Pregnancy/23204.htm http://folsomobgyn.com/cervical_cerclage.htm |
