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J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2016 Dec 1:1-4. [Epub ahead of print]

Two cervical preparation regimens prior to surgical abortion at 10-14 weeks of gestation: A randomized clinical trial

Guo Q, Qian Z and Huang L

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine whether same-day cervical preparation with an osmotic dilator and misoprostol was as effective and safe as overnight cervical preparation for surgical abortions at 10-14 weeks.

Methods: Seventy women seeking surgical abortion at 10-14 weeks were allocated to receive one osmotic dilator 16-17 h or 6-7 h prior to an abortion. All women received misoprostol 400 μg orally 2 h before the abortion.

Results: The abortion time of the same-day group was 7.42 ± 1.73 min, and that of the overnight group was 8.00 ± 2.19 min (p = 0.23). The blood loss volume of the same-day group was 20.6 ± 10.6 mL, and that of the overnight group was 16.3 ± 7.0 mL (p = 0.55). The degree of cervical dilation for the same-day group was inferior to the overnight group (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Same-day cervical preparation with misoprostol and an osmotic dilator shortens the hospitalization days, suggesting same-day cervical preparation is safe, effective, and feasible for surgical abortion at 10-14 weeks of gestation.

Comment: In case of aspiration for abortion (see previous abstract) at 10-14 weeks, one may need to prepare the cervix. This paper shows nicely that cervical preparation can be done on the same day, so the woman does not need to come back for the actual procedure. (HMV)