The incompetent cervix.

All methods for the management of CI have been described as producing a significant improvement in fetal salvage. The Lash procedure and the pessary have been deemed the most effective. However, the methods of patient selection in many of the older studies are not described, and their statistical validity is suspect. CI is thus a disease of uncertain etiology. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood, and methods of treatment vary greatly both as to technique and efficacy.