The Effect of Uterocervical Angle on Treatment Efficacy in First-Trimester Pregnancy Terminations

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the uterocervical angle, which we examined ultrasonographically before misoprostol treatment, which we used in first-trimester pregnancy terminations, and its relationship with the abortion time.
 Material and Method: This prospective study includes 207 pregnant women diagnosed with an ex-fetus in utero hospitalized for medical termination in a single center. These patients were divided into two groups patients whose treatment was completed in the first cycle and who needed additional cycles. The characteristics of all pregnant women, abortion times, and misoprostol doses used were compared with uterocervical angle and cervical length and analyzed between groups.
 Results: The mean age of the patients in the entire study group was 30.1±6.3, the median uterocervical angle was 112 degrees, and the cervical length was 36 mm. Increasing cesarean number and increasing uterocervical angle degree were positively correlated with increasing abortion time. The number of cesarean sections and the degree of uterocervical angle differ significantly between the group whose treatment was completed in the first cycle and the groups that needed additional cycles. In the treatment groups with elevated uterocervical angle degrees, the first cycle was higher than the successful group. Additional dose and cycle requirements arise if the uterocervical angle is >110 degrees.
 Conclusion: Evaluation of the uterocervical angle in first-trimester medical terminations may guide the clinician in the early completion of treatment. With this evaluation before medical treatment, the duration of hospitalization can be shortened, and the need for surgical intervention for patients can be reduced.