Dilatation Placement Research Articles

Adjuvant misoprostol or mifepristone for cervical preparation with osmotic dilators before dilation and evacuation

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare effectiveness and safety of cervical preparation with osmotic dilators plus same-day misoprostol or overnight mifepristone prior to dilation and evacuation (D&E). Study designWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 664 patients initiating abortion between 18 and 22 weeks at an ambulatory health center. We abstracted medical record data from two consecutive 12-month periods in 2017 to 2019. All patients received overnight dilators plus: 600 mcg buccal misoprostol 90 minutes before D&E (period 1); 200 mg oral mifepristone at time of dilators (period 2). Our primary outcome was procedure time. We report frequency of patients experiencing any acute complication, defined as unplanned procedure (i.e., reaspiration, cervical laceration repair, uterine balloon tamponade) or hospital transfer and bleeding complications. ResultsWe observed higher mean procedure time in the mifepristone group (9.7 ± 5.3 minutes vs 7.9 ± 4.4, p = 0.004). After adjusting for race, ethnicity, insurance, body mass index, parity, prior cesarean, prior uterine surgery, gestational age, provider, trainee participation, and long-acting reversible contraception initiation, the difference remained statistically significant (relative change 1.09, 95% CI 1.01, 1.17) but failed to reach our threshold for clinical significance. The use of additional misoprostol was more common in the mifepristone group, but the use of an additional set of dilators was not different between groups. Acute complications occurred at a frequency of 4.1% in misoprostol group and 4.3% in mifepristone group (p = 0.90). ConclusionsWe found procedure time to be longer with adjunctive mifepristone compared to misoprostol; however, this difference is unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Furthermore, the frequency of acute complications was similar between groups. ImplicationsOvernight mifepristone at the time of cervical dilator placement is a safe and effective alternative to adjuvant same-day misoprostol for cervical preparation prior to D&E and may offer benefits for clinic flow and patient experience.

Outcomes After Lysis of Adhesions and Dilator Placement for Treatment of Vulvovaginal Agglutination Due to Lichen Planus.

The aim of the study is to determine intraoperative and postoperative surgical outcomes for the treatment of vulvovaginal agglutination secondary to lichen planus (LP) following a standard protocol using intraoperative dilator placement and postoperative intravaginal steroid use. This was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical management of vulvovaginal agglutination due to LP following a protocol that included surgical lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions, intraoperative dilator placement and removal 48 hours later, and high-potency intravaginal corticosteroid and regular dilator use thereafter. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical record and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Thirty-four patients, with mean age 51.2 ± 11 years and body mass index 32.8 ± 8.5 kg/m 2 , underwent lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions between 1999 and 2021 with 8 different surgeons at a single institution. The mean preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6-week postoperative vaginal lengths were 2.8 ± 1.8 cm ( n = 18), 8.0 ± 1.9 cm ( n = 21), and 7.9 ± 2.2 cm ( n = 16), respectively. The mean estimated blood loss intraoperatively was 16 ± 15 mL. No patients had a documented surgical site infection or reoperation within 30 days after surgery. Of patients who had it documented ( n = 26), 70% (18/26) reported postoperative sexual activity. Where documented, 100% (18/18) reported preoperative dyspareunia, while 17% (3/18) did postoperatively. Six percent (2/34) had recurrent severe agglutination and 3% (1/34) underwent reoperation. Lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions, intraoperative dilator placement, and postoperative intravaginal corticosteroids with dilator use is a safe and effective treatment option to restore vaginal length for those with vulvovaginal LP.

Implementation of telemedicine preoperative visits for abortion procedures through 18 weeks gestation at a Northern California hospital-based center

ObjectiveDescribe the implementation of a preoperative telemedicine program at a Northern California hospital-based center for abortion procedures requiring cervical preparation. Study DesignWe implemented a pilot program using telemedicine for preoperative visits for patients needing cervical preparation prior to an abortion procedure from 12 to 18 weeks. We required ultrasonography for gestational age documentation in addition to placental localization in patients with a prior cesarean delivery. We prescribed misoprostol for cervical preparation for patients undergoing the telemedicine preoperative visit; in-person preoperative visits typically involve placement of osmotic dilators. Secondarily, we surveyed patients who had telemedicine and in-person preoperative visits to compare their preoperative experiences. ResultsImplementation required 8 months of multidisciplinary meetings. From March 2018 through March 2019, we received 200 abortion referrals at 12 to 18 weeks gestation. Of these 200 patients, 119 did not meet telemedicine eligibility criteria, most commonly due to inability to obtain required ultrasonography (n = 89 [75%]). Of the remaining 81 patients, 43 scheduled telemedicine visits of which 41 initiated and 38 (88%) completed the visits. Twenty-one (55%) telemedicine encounters had no or minor technical difficulties. Thirty-one of 34 (91%) telemedicine and 91 of 108 (84%) in-person visit patients expressed high satisfaction with their preoperative appointment (p = 0.4); none reported dissatisfaction. Patients chose the telemedicine visit primarily for convenience and transportation concerns. ConclusionA multidisciplinary team is essential for the successful implementation of a preoperative telemedicine program for procedural abortion care. Patients reported high satisfaction and reduced logistical burdens with the telemedicine option. ImplicationsTelemedicine preoperative visits for abortion procedures at 12 to 18 weeks gestation may improve access to abortion care, reduce patient burdens, and provide an alternative encounter option which may improve the patient experience.

Vaginal Sparing Radiotherapy Using IMPT and Daily Dilator Placement for Women with Anal Cancer.

IntroductionSexual dysfunction is a common toxicity and detrimental for the quality of life of women treated with chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer. Sexual dysfunction occurs because the vagina is closely approximated to the anal canal and typically receives substantial doses of radiation. Strategies for mitigation have largely been focused on posttreatment therapy and symptom management. The use of daily vaginal dilator placement during radiotherapy to mitigate dose to the vagina has been previously explored with modest gains, while proton therapy is under active investigation for the treatment of anal cancer. Use of proton therapy for anal cancer reduces dose to some organs at risk but may inadvertently increase vaginal toxicity if the proton beam terminates in the vaginal tissue. Herein, we present the case histories of 2 women treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal with the novel combination of intensity-modulated proton therapy and daily vaginal dilator placement to maximally reduce dose to the vagina and protect it from areas of increased energy deposition at the end of the proton range.

Pain management in outpatient surgical abortion.

To review the current literature focusing on pain management and experiences during abortion care. Analgesic options in abortion care address pain associated with the procedure, osmotic dilator insertion, and cervical preparation. The paracervical block (PCB) is effective for pain control in first and second trimester abortions. Lower volume PCBs demonstrate non inferiority with osmotic dilator placement compared with higher volume PCBs with lower potential for toxicity. Self-administered vaginal lidocaine gel is noninferior to PCB in first trimester abortions. Preoperative oral narcotics and sedation do not reduce pain in first trimester abortions; however, the latter may reduce anxiety. For second trimester abortions, narcotics or gabapentin do not improve postoperative pain, yet up to half of patients will use narcotics if offered. Nonpharmacological methods have shown success in pain management. Music and doula support do not improve pain; however, patients would recommend these modalities, indicating some benefit that went unmeasured. Auricular acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduce pain and anxiety during first trimester abortions. Several modalities reduce pain during abortion care; however, pain alone does not reflect patient satisfaction. Development of multidimensional measures for pain control assessment has the potential to capture the patient's overall experience.

Overnight pain and opioid use after osmotic cervical dilator placement for second trimester dilation and evacuation

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate pain following overnight osmotic cervical dilator placement for second trimester dilation and evacuation (D&E). Methods A retrospective cohort study surveyed pain and quantified prescription opioid use among 100 women who underwent overnight osmotic cervical dilator placement for D&E. Participants were given opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) prescriptions and were asked to rate their level of pain on a Likert scale (1–10). Demographic and medical information was abstracted from electronic medical records. Bivariate analyses of demographic and clinical characteristics by pain score and opioid use were conducted. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed for pain score. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted for factors associated with opioid use. Results Gestational age ranged from 14 to 23 weeks (average 19 ± 3 weeks). The mean score of worst pain experienced was 5.3 out of 10. Participants reported 3.4 h of moderate pain (4–6 out of 10) and 1.0 h of severe pain (7–10 out of 10); 54% of women took at least one opioid (mean 2.8 ± 1.5). Multivariate analysis showed that higher pain was associated with younger age (p = .0363) and no prior vaginal delivery (p = .0296). The number of osmotic cervical dilators was associated with pain in the bivariate analysis (r = 0.216, p = .0311) but was not significant in the multivariate analysis (p = .0634). An increasing number of cervical dilators (p = .0323) and a higher pain score (p = .004) were associated with opioid use. Conclusion Most participants with overnight cervical dilators for D&E experienced at least moderate pain and used opioid pain medication in addition to NSAIDs when available. A shared decision-making model may be appropriate for determining which patients may benefit from opioids.

POSTER ABSTRACTS: P4 TRANSVAGINAL LIDOCAINE INJECTION TO INDUCE FETAL DEMISE

Objectives: We perform transvaginal intrafetal lidocaine injections to induce fetal demise at the time of dilator placement prior to induced abortion. We evaluated this method's efficacy by injection location, lidocaine dose, and other factors.

Mifepristone prior to osmotic dilators for dilation and evacuation cervical preparation: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

ObjectivesTo evaluate mifepristone impact on osmotic dilator placement and procedural outcomes when given 18 to 24 hours before dilator placement for dilation and evacuation (D&E) at 18 weeks 0 days to 23 weeks 6 days gestation. Study DesignWe performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from April 2019 through February 2021, enrolling participants undergoing osmotic dilator (Dilapan) placement for a planned, next-day D&E. Participants took mifepristone 200 mg or placebo orally 18 to 24 hours before dilator placement. We used a gestational age-based protocol for minimum number of dilators. Our primary outcome was the proportion of participants for whom 2 or more additional dilators could be placed compared to the minimum gestational age-based standard. We secondarily evaluated cervical dilation after dilator removal in the operating room, subjective procedure ease, and complication rates (cervical laceration, uterine perforation, blood transfusion, infection, hospitalization, or extramural delivery). ResultsOf the planned 66 participants, we enrolled 44 (stopped due to coronavirus disease 2019-related obstacles), and 41 (19 mifepristone; 22 placebo) completed the study. We placed 2 or more additional dilators compared to standard in 7 (36.8%) and 3 (13.6%) participants after mifepristone and placebo, respectively (p = 0.14). We measured greater median initial cervical dilation in the mifepristone (3.2 cm[2.6−3.6]) compared to placebo (2.6 cm[2.2−3.0]) group, p = 0.03. Surgeon's perception of procedure being “easy” (8/19[42.1] vs 9/22[40.9], respectively, p = 1.00) and complication rate (3/19[15.8%] vs 3/22[13.6], respectively, p = 1.00) did not differ. ConclusionOur underpowered study did not demonstrate a difference in cervical dilator placement, but mifepristone 18 to 24 hours prior to dilators increases cervical dilation without increasing complications. ImplicationsMifepristone 18 to 24 hours prior to cervical dilator placement may be a useful adjunct to cervical dilators based on increased cervical dilation at time of procedure; however, logistical barriers, such as an additional visit, may preclude routine adoption without definite clinical benefit.

A Comparison of Paracervical Block Volumes Before Osmotic Dilator Placement: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate whether a 12-mL paracervical block is noninferior to a 20-mL block in reducing pain with osmotic dilator insertion. In this single-blinded noninferiority trial, we randomized individuals undergoing insertion of osmotic dilators before second-trimester abortion to receive either a 12-mL or 20-mL 1% lidocaine paracervical block. The primary outcome was pain immediately after insertion of osmotic dilators. Prespecified secondary outcomes included pain with paracervical block administration, overall pain, and side effects, with 88 participants being required for a noninferiority margin of 15 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale assuming an SD of 28. We analyzed data using Wilcoxon rank sum, χ2, and t tests and performed analysis of variance to account for repeated measures. Secondary analysis included multivariable regression to explore potential confounders. From January 2018 to October 2020, of 232 eligible individuals, 174 were approached and 96 randomized (48 participants to each group); 91 were available for analysis (45: 12 mL, 46: 20 mL). Group demographics were similar, with a mean gestation of 21 weeks and four osmotic dilators placed. The 12-mL paracervical block was noninferior to the 20-mL paracervical block for pain with osmotic dilator insertion with a difference in means of -1.36 (95% CI -12.56 to 9.85) favoring 12 mL. Median pain scores after dilator placement were 47 mm (interquartile range 22-68) and 50 mm (interquartile range 27-67) in 12-mL compared with 20-mL paracervical block, respectively (P=.81). No difference was seen in median pain at baseline, with paracervical block administration, postprocedure or with overall pain or experience. At least one lidocaine-related side effect occurred in 4% of participants in the 12-mL group compared with 13% for those receiving 20 mL (P=.15), with metallic taste, ringing in ears, and lightheadedness being most common. A 12-mL paracervical block is noninferior to a 20-mL block for pain reduction with osmotic dilator insertion. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03356145.

Large Uterine, Subserosal Hematoma as a Complication of Dilation and Evacuation Leading to Necrotic Uterine Defect and Delayed Postabortion Hemorrhage

A 23-year-old G2P0020 presented with a large anterior subserosal hematoma after dilation and evacuation at 19 weeks in the setting of anterior cervical laceration during dilator placement. Owing to...

Oral sedation for pain with cervical dilator placement: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveAssess oral sedation versus placebo for pain control with cervical dilator placement. Study designWe randomized participants presenting for dilation and evacuation to lorazepam 1 mg/oxycodone 5 mg or placebo 45 min before cervical dilator placement. Our primary outcome was median visual analog scale (VAS) pain score after dilator placement using a 100-mm VAS. We used our outcome data to calculate median pain score changes from baseline to better reflect pain score differences between study groups. Planned sample size was 30 participants per group, for a total of 60. ResultsWe randomized 27 participants; 9 received sedation and 11 placebo. Median pain score increase from baseline to last dilator placement was 20 [interquartile range (IQR) 8–29] and 31 (IQR 15–81) in the oral sedation and placebo groups, p = .16. ConclusionWe were unable to enroll our desired sample size, and our sample is underpowered to make any conclusions. Our results suggest that oral sedation may provide some benefit for pain relief with dilator insertion and indicate that further research might be worthwhile especially in settings that do not routinely provide these analgesics. ImplicationsWe had difficulty with study recruitment because many patients desired oral sedation for pain management for cervical dilator placement and declined randomization. Randomized trials of pain management with a placebo arm may find recruitment challenging especially if default clinical care already includes a pain management option that patients would have to opt out of.

A single-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluating pain and opioid use after dilator placement for second-trimester abortion

ObjectivesTo compare pain levels and medication needs after placement of laminaria vs Dilapan-S, and after dilation and evacuation (D&E). Study DesignWe conducted a single-blinded randomized control trial of patients undergoing D&E at 15 0/7 to 23 6/7 weeks gestation, randomizing to cervical preparation with laminaria or Dilapan-S. We compared pain levels and medication usage following dilator placement (5 minutes; 2, 4, and 8 hours; the following morning) and D&E (1, 4, 24, and 48 hours). Our primary outcome was median change from baseline pain, and secondary outcomes included maximum pain timing and overall narcotic use. We compared baseline characteristics, median pain increases and quantities of narcotics used. ResultsWe analyzed 67 participants with laminaria (n = 34) and Dilapan-S (n = 33). More Dilapan-S users had a prior vaginal delivery (n = 20, 60.6%) than laminaria users (n = 11, 32.4%), p = 0.02. Maximum median pain was not statistically different (Laminaria: +3.5 (interquartile range [IQR] +0.5, +6.5); Dilapan-S: +3 (IQR +1, +5); p = 0.42. Thirty-seven (63.8%) participants reported higher levels of pain following dilator placement than D&E. Overall, 26 (42.6%) participants used narcotics during their abortion episode, with no difference in median number of tablets between laminaria (2, range 1–8) and Dilapan-S (4.5, range 1–15) participants (p = 0.34). ConclusionsMedian pain increase did not differ in participants receiving laminaria or Dilapan-S for cervical preparation prior to D&E. The majority of patients will use a small amount of narcotics if available. ImplicationsThe lack of difference in pain between laminaria and Dilapan-S enhances the applicability of pain intervention research across dilator types. With over half of participants using a small amount of narcotics during their D&E episode, pain management should be individualized to patient needs.

Opioid prescription for pain after osmotic dilator placement in abortion care: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare the overnight maximum pain scores after osmotic dilator placement prior to a dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure in participants assigned to a prescription for ibuprofen alone or to ibuprofen plus oxycodone. Study designWe conducted a nonblinded pragmatic, randomized controlled trial to evaluate pain management among women undergoing osmotic dilator placement prior to D&E. We randomly assigned 70 participants at 12 weeks 6 days to 23 weeks 6 days gestation to receive a prescription for ibuprofen alone, or ibuprofen plus oxycodone. We assessed pain using a numeric rating scale (NRS; scale 0–10) at the following time points: Baseline, dilator placement, 2 and 6 hours, and preoperatively, where we also asked participants their maximum pain score. The primary outcome was mean individual NRS pain score change from baseline to maximum pain score. ResultsMaximum mean pain score (change from baseline) was 4.7 ± 2.9 in the ibuprofen group, and 6.5 ± 2.5 in the ibuprofen plus oxycodone group (p < 0.01). Participants in both groups reported highest NRS pain scores 2 hours after dilator placement, 3.9 ± 2.5 and 5.3 ± 2.6 respectively (p = 0.02). Average ibuprofen use in both arms was similar, and 81% of participants used at least 1 dose of ibuprofen after dilator placement. Of those randomized to prescription to ibuprofen plus oxycodone, only 51% used a dose of oxycodone. ConclusionsCompared to participants randomized to receive a prescription for ibuprofen, those randomized to receive a prescription for ibuprofen plus oxycodone reported higher maximum overnight pain scores. ImplicationsParticipants receiving a prescription for ibuprofen alone had lower maximum overnight pain scores following osmotic dilator placement. Given that opioid prescriptions did not appear to reduce overnight pain, minimizing these prescriptions would avoid opioid exposure for patients undergoing D&E.

P20 A single-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluating pain and opioid use after cervical dilator placement for second-trimester abortion

P20 A single-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluating pain and opioid use after cervical dilator placement for second-trimester abortion

Safety and effectiveness of one-day later abortion procedures: A retrospective chart review

Introduction The abortion process at later gestational ages—from placement of dilators, to completion of procedure—can have a duration of up to three days. Coupled with mandatory waiting periods in many states, later-abortion procedures often place undue burdens on patients (increased travel, accommodation, and administrative costs). We present evidence on the safety of later-abortion protocols that are carried out in one day, which can result in reducing client burden. Method We conducted a retrospective review of 379 patient medical charts from two different clinics (in four states) that provide abortions for gestational ages 18–24 weeks, in one day. Data was collected using an online data collection platform. We used Stata 15 to clean and perform preliminary descriptive analyses. Results We found that, on an average, complications occurred in 0.79% (n = 3) of the total procedures. Literature suggests that for D&E procedures occurring between 14 and 24 weeks, complications occur in 4% of cases (Autry et. al, 2002). In our study, cervical tear was the only incident. All the incidents were resolved in the procedure room on the day of the procedure. Conclusions One-day procedures result in a low occurrence of complications—lower than what has been reported for longer procedures and have not needed hospital admission. By adopting shorter procedures, financial burden on patients, especially those traveling long distances, can be reduced, and access to later abortion care can be expanded.

Gabapentin for pain management after osmotic dilator insertion and prior to dilation and evacuation: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate if gabapentin 600 mg reduces pain after osmotic dilator placement the day before a dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure. Study designWe conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized (stratified by vaginal parity) trial among women undergoing osmotic dilator placement before D&E at 15–23 5/7 weeks gestation. Subjects received gabapentin 600 mg or placebo 30 min before dilator placement, with re-dosing 8 h later. We assessed pain after dilator placement using a numeric rating scale (NRS; scale 0–10) at 5 min, 2, 4, and 8 h, and at presentation for D&E. The primary outcome was median NRS pain score change from baseline to 8 h after dilator placement. Secondary outcomes included gabapentin-related side effects and analgesic use. ResultsOf 121 randomized women, we excluded three subjects (allergic reaction [placebo], randomization error, no NRS data), leaving 60 gabapentin and 58 placebo subjects. Of 110 (93%) women who provided 8-hour data, median pain score changes from baseline did not differ between gabapentin and placebo groups overall (2 vs. 2.5, p = 0.52), in vaginally nulliparous women (2 vs. 4, p = 0.10) or in parous women (2 vs. 1.5, p = 0.37). We found no statistically significant differences in median pain score change from baseline to any timepoint overall or when stratified by parity. Beginning at 2 h after dilator placement, more gabapentin than placebo users experienced dizziness (29/53[55%] vs. 11/53[21%], p = 0.001) and tiredness (34/54[63%] vs. 17/54[31%], p = 0.002). The proportion of women using narcotics did not differ between gabapentin (35/60[58%]) or placebo (40/58[69%]) users (p = 0.26). ConclusionsGabapentin does not reduce pain with overnight osmotic dilator placement prior to D&E and causes drug-related side effects. Implications statementWomen experience pain, mostly mild to moderate, with overnight cervical dilator placement at 15–23 5/7 weeks gestation. About 2/3 of women will use a limited quantity of narcotics if provided. Gabapentin does not decrease the pain with or following dilator placement and does not decrease narcotic use.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Control During Cervical Dilator Placement Prior to Dilation and Evacuation

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Control During Cervical Dilator Placement Prior to Dilation and Evacuation

Ureteroscope-Guided Access Facilitates Percutaneous Resection of Renal Pelvis Tumor

Abstract Introduction: Standard technique in renal pelvis tumor resection involves fluoroscopy-guided access, tract dilatation, tumor resection, and nephrostomy tube placement. A ureteroscope-guide...

Pregnancy outcomes after removal of osmotic dilators in patients who presented for second-trimester abortion

ObjectiveThe objective was to report pregnancy outcomes and potentially related complications among 13 patients who had osmotic dilators placed for second-trimester dilation and evacuation (D&E) followed by subsequent removal with the intention to continue their pregnancies. Study designWe reviewed billing and scheduling data between 2005 and 2017 to identify the total number of women seen for D&E and to identify the individuals who had dilators placed without a subsequent scheduled dilation and evacuation. We then performed chart reviews to determine pregnancy outcomes. ResultsBetween 2005 and 2017, we treated 2532 patients who presented for second-trimester abortions by D&E and received osmotic dilators for cervical preparation. Twenty (0.8%) of these women had cervical dilators removed with the intention of continuing their pregnancies. We could obtain outcome data for 13 of these pregnancies; one of these women ultimately elected to have an abortion. Eight of the remaining 12 women (66%) experienced complications which included premature preterm rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, maternal infection and hemorrhage. Six (50%) pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion or fetal or neonatal death. ConclusionContinuation of pregnancy after placement and removal of osmotic dilators may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. ImplicationsOf the women who had outcome data available, 50% who had cervical dilators removed experienced spontaneous abortion or fetal or neonatal death. Conservatively assuming that all women lost to follow-up had healthy pregnancies, 30% of women experienced fetal or neonatal death and 40% had an adverse pregnancy outcome.

Self-administered lidocaine gel for local anesthesia prior to osmotic dilator placement: a randomized trial

Objective(s)To compare pain scores during cervical dilator placement prior to dilation and evacuation (D&E) with patient-administered vaginal lidocaine gel versus lidocaine paracervical block (PCB). Study designWe conducted an unblinded randomized trial of women ≥18 years of age undergoing surgical abortion at ≥16 weeks’ gestation in two outpatient clinics. We randomized participants to receive self-administered lidocaine gel 2% 20 mL intravaginally 15–30 min before procedure initiation or lidocaine 1% 12 mL PCB immediately prior to dilator placement. Participants rated their pain at various time points using a visual analog scale (VAS), including anticipated and baseline pain, speculum insertion, tenaculum placement, cervical dilator placement (primary outcome) and speculum removal. ResultsWe enrolled 72 women and analyzed data for 69 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics and VAS scores at all time points, except for anticipated pain, were similar between groups. The median pain score with dilator placement was 48 mm in the gel group and 61 mm in the PCB group (p=.23). Procedure times for the gel group and PCB group were 3.7 min and 5.2 min, respectively (p<.01). Lidocaine gel was noninferior to PCB for reported pain scores (VAS) with dilator placement, with a difference in means of −8 mm (95% CI −21, 5) favoring the gel. ConclusionsSelf-administration of lidocaine gel prior to placement of cervical dilators for D&E is noninferior to paracervical lidocaine block for local anesthesia and is a potential alternative to PCB for pain management with osmotic dilator placement. ImplicationsLidocaine gel and similar products represent noninvasive, nonpainful methods of local anesthesia for a variety of outpatient gynecologic procedures. Given our noninferiority findings, if gel anesthetics are available, they should be considered as an alternative to paracervical block.