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Joan Stephenson, PhD

JAMA. 2004;292:323.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Cervical cerclage, a common surgical procedure in use for the past 50 years, "does not substantially reduce the risk of early preterm delivery," according to a study by British researchers (Lancet. 2004;363:1849-1853). The treatment, which involves stitching the cervix to give it added strength, has been used in women assumed to be at higher risk of premature delivery by virtue of having a short cervix.

More than 47 000 women underwent an ultrasound examination to measure the cervix; 470 women were found to have cervixes short enough (15 mm) to put them at risk. The 253 who elected to participate in the multicenter study were randomly assigned to undergo the procedure or to "expectant management." About 22% of the women who were treated extended their pregnancy beyond 33 weeks, as did 26% of the control group.

"Routine sonographic measurement of cervical length identifies a group . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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