Randomized comparison of different prostaglandin analogues and laminaria tent for preoperative cervical dilatation

Abstract

In an eleven-centre study, 627 nulliparous subjects in the 8th to 12th week of gestation admitted for termination of pregnancy were allocated to one of five treatments to induce pre-operatlve cervical dilatation. The treatments were: 0.5 mg PGE 2 methyl sulphonylamide; 1.0 mg PGE 1 methyl ester; 30 mg 9-methylene PGE 2 free acid, 0.5 mg 15-methyl PGF 2α; a single medium sized laminaria tent. The results indicate that the three PGE analogues are at least equally effective as one medium sized laminaria tent and more effective than 0.5 mg 15-methyl PGF 2α in producing adequate pre-operattve cervical dilatation prior to vacuum aspiration. It is concluded that both pre-treatment with prostaglandin analogues and laminaria tent are effective methods for preoperative cervical dilatation and both types of treatment are associated with a low incidence of side effects. Prostaglandin analogue treatment can be administered by paramedical personnel but laminaria tent inserti on has to be performed by medical staff.