Cervical Cerclage Compensation Claims

What is a Cervical Cerclage?

A cervical cerclage is a procedure where tape is stitched around the cervix, this is to support it and keep it closed. This operation is performed to help prevent a baby from being prematurely born if the mothers cervix has a weakness. This weakness is referred to as ‘Cervical Incompetence’, which is sometimes linked to a previous miscarriage. Think link is made when an abnormality in the cervix causes a the birth to be prevented. A claim for cervical cerclage can be made if the procedure itself is poorly performed, if an infection or complication is caused, or if you’ve been misdiagnosed and the procedure wasn’t performed at all. You are also entitled to start a claim if a delay in treatment allowed the baby to arrive early, because if the treatment was performed on time a premature birth could have been prevented.

How should a Cervical Cerclage be Performed?

When a cervical cerclage is performed correctly, it is usually between the 14th and 18th week in your pregnancy. Cervical cerclage can also be required after this point, but it is advised that the procedure is performed before 24 weeks due to the large risk of complication that comes after then.

A cervical cerclage should be performed under anaesthesia (either local or general). The operation can be one of three different versions, and the one that is chosen depends on the individuals case. It’s down to the patients GP to choose the method which is best appropriate, and it should be one which maximises the effectiveness of the surgery but minimises all of the possible risks. A cervical cerclage can involve the following:

• A special tape being tied around the cervix which is then stitched in place.
• Stitches being put around the outside of the cervix.
• An incision being made inside the cervix, with a special tape being tied through the cervix which will close it.

There are other situations involving cervical cerclage’s that can be eligible for a compensation claim. Sometimes when an incompetent cervix is diagnosed is only diagnosed later on in the pregnancy, the doctor may need to take additional measures. The additional procedures are needed as the patients amniotic sac can sometime protrude through the cervix. This is treated by putting a thin tube through the cervix, and then inflating a bulb at the tip. Another way of combating this is by filling the bladder with liquid using a catheter that is inserted through the urethra. When the bladder is full, it pushes the amniotic sac back up into the pelvic area. This allows the cervix to then be stitched and closed. If a doctor diagnoses the incompetent cervix later on in the pregnancy and the additional measures aren’t taken into account, it can lead to failure of the operation. Other cases which are valid are ones where the operation hasn’t gone to plan due to improper technique from the medical professional or where cervical cerclage hasn’t been diagnosed at all.

What are the risks involved with a cervical cerclage?

All risks should be explained to patients before any procedure, the risks involved with cervical cerclage can include:

• pPROM – Preterm premature rupture of membranes.
• Surgical Damage to the cervix itself (this can develop into internal bleeding).
• Infection.
• Excessive blood loss.
• Preterm Labour.
• Cervical Stenosis – A permanent narrowing or closure of the cervix.
• Tearing of the cervix/uterus if the birth takes place with the stitches still intact.

If any of these complications happen die to negligence of the medical professional, or if a GP hasn’t given the patient enough information of the risks involved a claim for medical malpractice is also something which can be started.

Contact Tylers Solicitors today!

If you would like to make a compensation claim for a Cervical Cerclage case then call Tylers Solicitors today for a no-obligation chat on (freephone) 0800 699 0079 today!

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