Assessment of the Efficacy of Different Methods of Second Trimester Abortion: An Initial Experience in Eastern Nepal

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Abortions performed in the second trimester account for a disproportionate amount of abortion-related morbidity and mortality. Materials and methods To assess the effectiveness of medical vs the surgical methods for second trimester abortions. Results A total number of 141 patients were included in the study from September 2009 till August 2012 who underwent second trimester abortion. A total number of 75 patients underwent medical abortion and 66 patients underwent surgical dilatation and evacuation (D&E). Surgical treatment with D&E was more effective and safer than medical treatment for second trimester abortion, The overall complications were seen more in the medically treated cohort with 20 vs 6% in the surgical cohort (p = 0.02), with higher incidence of incomplete abortion (13 vs 0) and a higher amount of blood loss (129.4 ± 20.6 ml vs 69.6 ± 11.4 ml, p < 0.001) requiring transfusion. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the surgical method of second trimester abortion is more effective and safe procedure in experienced centers and as compared to medical methods. The complication rates are lower and it also is more cost-effective as it can be performed in an outpatient setting and does not require hospital admission. How to cite this article Chhetri S, Pokharel H, Rijal R, Lama S. Assessment of the Efficacy of Different Methods of Second Trimester Abortion: An Initial Experience in Eastern Nepal. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(3):182-184.