Preoperative Cervical Dilatation Research Articles

Analysis of Characteristics Associated With Pregnancy Duration After Cervical Cerclage Placement in Singleton Gestations [ID: 1378088

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cerclage technique and perioperative interventions vary widely among providers because of lack of evidence to inform management. Our aim was to identify factors independently associated with pregnancy duration in singleton gestations after cerclage placement. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis from 2008 to 2020 at an academic tertiary care center. Because of the inclusion of one or more pregnancies for ∼37% of the cohort, a linear mixed-effects model was utilized to evaluate the association between various factors and pregnancy duration. Variables with P<.2 on unadjusted analysis were considered for incorporation into a multivariable model. Model fit was assessed using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). RESULTS: Out of 762 pregnancies, 42% underwent history-indicated, 22% ultrasound-indicated, and 36% physical exam-indicated cerclage placement. Mean gestational age (GA) at delivery was 35.0±5.8 weeks. 22% occurred less than 32 weeks and 7% resulted in previable delivery. Mean duration of pregnancy after cerclage placement was 17.1±7.0 weeks. An 8-covariate multivariable analysis revealed adjusted differences (β) in weeks of GA at delivery (95% CI): nulliparity +1.61 (0.57, 2.64), multiparity with most recent delivery 34 weeks or greater +1.31 (0.53, 2.10), married +0.94 (0.18, 1.70), concomitant progesterone use +1.06 (0.35, 1.76), preoperative cervical dilation 0.5 cm or higher −1.26 (−2.10, −0.41), utilization of Foley balloon for membrane elevation −2.27 (−3.53, −1.01), postoperative cervical length less than 20 mm −6.34, (−7.37, −5.32), and requiring cerclage revision −3.79 (−5.40, −2.18). CONCLUSION: Apart from use of a Foley balloon for membrane elevation and concomitant progesterone, we did not find any modifiable factors associated with pregnancy duration after cervical cerclage placement. However, this information may inform counseling as well as management for those with a postoperative cervical length less than 20 mm.

Factors Associated With Pregnancy Duration up to 32 Weeks in Patients With Twin Gestations Who Underwent Cerclage Placement [ID: 1378167

INTRODUCTION: Historically, cerclages were not recommended in multiple-gestation pregnancies because of uncertain efficacy and concern for harm. However, a meta-analysis of twin pregnancies found cerclage was associated with reduction in preterm birth (PTB) less than 32 weeks with cervical length (CL) of 15 mm or lower. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of women who underwent cervical cerclage placement at a single tertiary academic center from 2008 to 2020. Data pertaining to maternal demographics, obstetric course, sonographic CL, and cerclage operative technique were abstracted for women with twin gestations. Factors with P value of .2 or lower on univariate analysis of spontaneous PTB (sPTB) less than 32 weeks were considered for incorporation along with history of sPTB into a Cox proportional-hazards model to assess factors associated with pregnancy duration up to 32 weeks. RESULTS: Seventy-five twin gestations were analyzed. On univariate analysis, neuraxial anesthesia during cerclage placement, preoperative cervical dilation, use of Foley catheter for membrane elevation, shorter postoperative CL, and twin B male sex were found to be significantly associated with sPTB less than 32 weeks. Cox proportional-hazards analysis demonstrated that use of Foley catheter for membrane elevation, neuraxial anesthesia, postoperative CL less than 25 mm recorded 24 weeks or earlier, and history of sPTB greater than 16 weeks had significantly higher adjusted hazard ratios. The bias-corrected bootstrapped (1,000 repetitions) AUROC for a logistic regression model with these four covariates predictive of sPTB less than 32 weeks was 0.83 (95% CI 0.69–0.89). CONCLUSION: A survival analysis approach offers valuable clinical insight into predictors of shorter pregnancy duration up to 32 weeks in twin gestations undergoing cervical cerclage placement.

Preoperative effects of mifepristone for dilation and evacuation after 19weeks of gestation: arandomised controlled trial.

To evaluate mifepristone as an adjunct to, or replacement for, osmotic dilators for cervical preparation in surgical abortion after 19weeks of gestation. Site-stratified, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Two tertiary care teaching hospitals. Women undergoing dilation and evacuation at 19-236/7 weeks of gestation from November 2013 through November 2015. Participants were randomised to receive (1) mifepristone alone (n=27), (2) osmotic dilators with mifepristone (n=27) or (3) osmotic dilators with placebo (n=21) with all receiving pre-procedure misoprostol. Operative time, preoperative cervical dilation and complications. We enrolled 75 participants; mean gestation 21weeks. Pre-procedure cervical dilation was ≥3cm in 4, 52, and 57% of participants in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P< 0.005). Mifepristone with misoprostol for cervical preparation resulted in longer procedure times compared with osmotic dilators, with median total procedure times of (1) 18.5 (8-52), (2) 12 (7-25), and (3) 13 (6-26) minutes (P≤0.005). Excluding time required for manual dilation, procedure times were similar: median times from dilation complete to evacuation complete were (1) 10.5 (4-23), (2) 8.5 (5-24), and (3) 10 (4-20) minutes (P=0.10). Complications occurred in seven cases, six with trainees and one with an attending physician (P=0.03), with difference by study group not reaching statistical significance (P=0.12). Elimination of osmotic dilators has the potential to decrease burden and opportunity cost of cervical preparation. The longer procedure time, related to manual dilation, is offset by decreasing dilator-related preoperative time and discomfort. Provider experience may impact risk when eliminating dilators. Mifepristone and misoprostol for cervical preparation prior to D&E has potential to reduce barriers to care.

Different Routes of Misoprostol for Same-Day Cervical Priming Prior to Operative Hysteroscopy: A Randomized Blinded Trial

Study ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of and patient satisfaction with different routes of misoprostol administration for short-term cervical priming before operative hysteroscopy. DesignRandomized blinded trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SettingUniversity hospital. PatientsOne hundred and twenty patients undergoing operative hysteroscopy. InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to receive 400 μg of misoprostol administered orally (n = 40), vaginally (n = 40), or sublingually (n = 40) for cervical priming at 1.5 to 4 hours before undergoing operative hysteroscopy. Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary outcome was preoperative cervical dilatation. Secondary outcomes included cervical consistency, ease of dilation and time of dilation, patient discomfort, and side effects. No differences were noted among the 3 groups in terms of patient age, parity, previous vaginal delivery, menopausal status, and time interval from preparation to procedure. Patients in the 3 groups reported similar discomfort and side effects. Initial mean cervical dilatation was 6.1 ± 2.0 mm in the oral group, 6.4 ± 2.1 in the vaginal group, and 6.4 ± 1.8 mm in the sublingual group (p = .75). Cervical consistency and ease of dilation were similar among the groups. The mean time of dilation was 37.2 ± 30.6 seconds in the oral group, 31.7 ± 29.0 seconds in the vaginal group, and 31.5 ± 21.7 seconds in the sublingual group (p = .59). Additional subanalyses according to menopausal status and parity did not demonstrate any differences among the groups. ConclusionSame-day cervical priming for operative hysteroscopy is achieved equally with all routes of misoprostol administration, with similar patient satisfaction and side effects.

Role of vaginal estradiol pretreatment combined with vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening before operative hysteroscopy in postmenopausal women.

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of vaginal misoprostol after a pretreatment with vaginal estradiol to facilitate the hysteroscopic surgery in postmenopausal women.MethodsIn this observational comparative study, 35 control women (group A) did not receive any pharmacological treatment,26 women (group B) received 25 µg of vaginal estradiol daily for 14 days and 400 µg of vaginal misoprostol 12 hours before hysteroscopic surgery, 32 women (group C) received 400 µg of vaginal misoprostol 12 hours before surgery.ResultsDemographic data were well balanced and all variables were not significantly different among the three groups. The study showed a significant difference in the preoperative cervical dilatation among the group B (7.09±1.87 mm), the group A (5.82±1.85 mm; B vs. A, P=0.040) and the group C (5.46±2.07 mm; B vs. C, P=0.007). The dilatation was very easy in 73% of women in group B. The pain scoring post surgery was lower in the group B (B vs. A, P=0.001; B vs. C, P=0.077). In a small subgroup of women with suspected cervical stenosis, there were no statistically significant differences among the three groups considered. No complications during and post hysteroscopy were observed.ConclusionIn postmenopausal women the pretreatment with oestrogen appears to have a crucial role in allowing the effect of misoprostol on cervical ripening. The combination of vaginal estradiol and vaginal misoprostol presents minor side effects and has proved to be effective in obtaining satisfying cervical dilatation thus significantly reducing discomfort for the patient.

Laminaria vs. vaginal misoprostol for cervical preparation before second-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and tolerability of vaginal misoprostol and laminaria for cervical preparation before second-trimester surgical abortion. Study designWe performed a prospective, randomized trial comparing midnight administration of misoprostol 600 mcg vaginally to midnight placement of laminaria, before surgical abortions among women at 13–20 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was preoperative cervical dilation. Secondary outcomes were the need for further dilation, procedure duration and difficulty, immediate complications and side effects. ResultsEighty-four women were randomized, with a median gestational age of 16.5weeks. The mean time interval between misoprostol and laminaria placement and dilatation and evacuation initiation was 11.0±2.9 and 11.2±2.0h, respectively (p=.17). Cervical dilation was not greater in the laminaria group as compared to the misoprostol group (12.8 vs. 12.4mm, respectively; p=.32). No difference was demonstrated regarding the need for additional dilation or the difficulty of the procedure. Procedures performed after laminaria insertion were 1 min longer (median 11 vs. 10min, p=.04). Participants found laminaria placement more uncomfortable than vaginal misoprostol placement. Other than pain, additional side effects occurred only in the misoprostol group, primarily nausea and vomiting. One participant in the misoprostol group experienced fetal expulsion during the night before the intended procedure. ConclusionEither vaginal misoprostol or laminaria provides adequate dilation for second-trimester surgical abortion. Laminaria causes more pain at insertion and misoprostol causes more side effects. Implications statementWe found that cervical preparation in an inpatient setting for approximately 11h with misoprostol 600 mcg vaginally is comparable to 11h of laminaria. However, given the potential for spontaneous expulsion and more side effects with misoprostol, laminaria is likely a better general option in such a setting.

Adjunct mifepristone for cervical preparation prior to dilation and evacuation: a randomized trial

ObjectiveThe objective was to investigate mifepristone as a potential adjunct to cervical preparation for surgical abortion after 19weeks of gestation, with the aim of improving procedure access, convenience and comfort. MethodsThis is a site-stratified, block-randomized, noninferiority trial of 50 women undergoing surgical abortion between 19 and 23 6/7weeks of gestation randomized to receive either one set of osmotic dilators plus mifepristone the day prior to procedure (mifepristone group) or two sets of osmotic dilators (placed 18–24 h apart) in the 2 days prior to procedure (control group). All subjects received preprocedure misoprostol. Primary outcome was procedure time. Secondary outcomes included preoperative cervical dilation, ease of procedure, and side effects and pain experienced by subjects. ResultsMean gestational age was similar between groups (20weeks); more nulliparous subjects were randomized to the mifepristone group (46% vs. 12%, p=.009). Mean procedure times were similar: mifepristone group 11:52 (SD 5:29) vs. control group 10:56 (SD 5:08); difference in means −56s, with confidence interval (95% CI −4:09 to +2:16) not exceeding the 5-min difference we a priori defined as clinically significant. Preprocedure cervical dilation did not differ and was >3cm for the majority of subjects in both groups. There was no difference (p=.6) in ease of procedure reported by providers. Preoperative (postmisoprostol) pain and postoperative pain levels were greater with mifepristone (p = 0.02 and p= 0.04 respectively). Overall subject experience was not different (p=0.80), with most reporting a “better than expected” experience. ConclusionsMifepristone with one set of osmotic dilators and misoprostol did not result in longer procedure times or less cervical dilation than serial (two sets) of osmotic dilators and misoprostol, and has the potential to improve access to second trimester abortion without compromising safety. ImplicationsUse of mifepristone for cervical preparation before surgical abortion after 19weeks allows for fewer visits and fewer osmotic dilators without compromising cervical dilation or increasing procedure time.

Determining the Ease of Cervical Dilation in Patients Given Evening Primrose Oil (Eveprim®) Intravaginally before Hysteroscopy in Postmenopausal and Nulliparous, Premenopausal Women Ages 37-77 Years Old: A Pilot Study

The primary objective is to determine the ease of cervical dilation to 7 mm to allow diagnostic hysteroscopy in postmenopausal and nulliparous, premenopausal women after intravaginal administration of evening primrose oil (Eveprim®). The secondary objectives are to determine any cervicovaginal complications and adverse effects related to the intravaginal use of evening primrose oil. Descriptive (Pilot). Tertiary hospital. Six(6) postmenopausal and two (2) nulligravid premenopausal patients admitted at St. Luke's Medical Center, Q.C. with an intrauterine pathology (endometrial polyps, or other endometrial pathology) detected on transvaginal ultrasonography for hysteroscopy. Two softgels (1000 mg each) of evening primrose oil were placed into the posterior vaginal fornix four to six (4-6) hours before hysteroscopy. Preoperative cervical dilation (in mm) after evening primrose oil administration was measured using Hegars dilators in an advancing fashion beginning with 4 mm size until the endpoint 7 mm size. The ease of cervical dilation to reach 7 mm was determined using Likert scale. Patients were assessed for any adverse reactions and uterine cervico-vaginal complications. All patients given evening primrose oil achieved the cervical dilation of 7 mm with ease. Based on a Likert scale, 7 out of 8 patients were assessed to be easy while one was found to be somewhat easy. No adverse reactions and uterine cervico-vaginal complications were reported. Ease of cervical dilatation was observed in all patients given intravaginal evening primrose oil 4 to 6 hours before diagnostic hysteroscopy (7 mm diameter). No cervico-uterine complications and adverse effects were noted.

A combination of misoprostol and estradiol for preoperative cervical ripening in postmenopausal women: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare the impact of 1000 μg of self-administered vaginal misoprostol versus self-administered vaginal placebo on preoperative cervical ripening after 2 weeks of pretreatment with estradiol vaginal tablets in postmenopausal women prior to day-care operative hysteroscopy.DesignRandomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled sequential trial.SettingNorwegian university teaching hospital.PopulationSixty-seven postmenopausal women referred for day-care operative hysteroscopy.MethodsThe women were randomised to receive either 1000 μg of self-administered vaginal misoprostol or self-administered vaginal placebo on the evening before day-care operative hysteroscopy. All women had administered a 25-μg vaginal estradiol tablet daily for 14 days prior to the operation.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome: preoperative cervical dilatation at hysteroscopy. Secondary outcomes: difference in dilatation at recruitment and before hysteroscopy, number of women who achieved a preoperative cervical dilatation of 5 mm or more, acceptability, complications and adverse effects.ResultsThe mean cervical dilatation was 5.7 mm (SD, 1.6 mm) in the misoprostol group and 4.7 mm (SD, 1.5 mm) in the placebo group, the mean difference in cervical dilatation being 1.0 mm (95% CI, 0.2–1.7 mm). Self-administered vaginal misoprostol of 1000 μg at home on the evening before day-care hysteroscopy is safe and highly acceptable, although a small proportion of women experienced lower abdominal pain.ConclusionsOne thousand micrograms of self-administered vaginal misoprostol, 12 hours prior to day-care hysteroscopy, after 14 days of pretreatment with vaginal estradiol, has a significant cervical ripening effect compared with placebo in postmenopausal women.

Comparison of self‐administered vaginal misoprostol versus placebo for cervical ripening prior to operative hysteroscopy using a sequential trial design*

ObjectiveTo compare the impact of 1000 micrograms of self-administered vaginal misoprostol versus self-administered vaginal placebo at home on preoperative cervical ripening in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women before operative hysteroscopy.DesignTwo separate but identical parallel, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled sequential trials, one in premenopausal women and one in postmenopausal women. The boundaries for the sequential trials were calculated on the primary outcomes of a difference of cervical dilatation ≥1 mm, with the assumption of a type 1 error of 0.05 and a power of 0.95.SettingNorwegian university teaching hospital.SampleEighty-six women referred to outpatient operative hysteroscopy.MethodsThe women were randomised to either 1000 micrograms of self-administered vaginal misoprostol or self-administered vaginal placebo the evening before outpatient operative hysteroscopy.Main outcome measuresPreoperative cervical dilatation (primary outcome), number of women who achieve a preoperative cervical dilatation ≥5 mm, acceptability, complications and adverse effects (secondary outcomes).ResultsIn premenopausal women, the mean cervical dilatation was 6.4 mm (SD 2.4) in the misoprostol group and 4.8 mm (SD 2.0) in the placebo group, the mean difference in cervical dilatation being 1.6 mm (95% CI 0.5–2.7). Among the premenopausal women receiving misoprostol, 88% achieved a cervical dilatation of ≥5 mm compared with 65% in the placebo group. Twelve percent of the women who received misoprostol were difficult to dilate compared with 32% who received placebo. Dilatation was also quicker in the misoprostol group. Misoprostol had no effect on cervical ripening in postmenopausal women compared with placebo, and 43% of the women were difficult to dilate. The trials were terminated after analysis of 21 postmenopausal women and 65 premenopausal women after reaching a conclusion on the primary outcome with only 28% of the number of women needed in a fixed sample size trial. Three of 45 women who received misoprostol experienced severe lower abdominal pain, and there was an increased occurrence of light preoperative bleeding in the misoprostol group. Most women did not experience misoprostol-related adverse effects. The majority (83% of premenopausal and 76% of postmenopausal women) found self-administered vaginal misoprostol at home to be acceptable. There were two serious complications in the premenopausal misoprostol group: uterine perforation with subsequent peritonitis and heavy postoperative bleeding requiring blood transfusion, but these were not judged to be misoprostol related. Complications were otherwise comparatively minor and distributed equally between the two dosage groups.ConclusionsOne thousand micrograms of self-administered vaginal misoprostol 12 hours prior to operative hysteroscopy has a significant cervical ripening effect compared with placebo in premenopausal but not in postmenopausal women. Self-administered vaginal misoprostol of 1000 micrograms at home the evening before operative hysteroscopy is safe and highly acceptable, although a small proportion of women experienced severe lower abdominal pain. There is a risk of lower abdominal pain and light preoperative bleeding with this regimen, which is very cheap and easy to use.Please cite this paper as: Oppegaard K, Nesheim B, Istre O, Qvigstad E. Comparison of self-administered vaginal misoprostol versus placebo for cervical ripening prior to operative hysteroscopy using a sequential trial design. BJOG 2008;115:663–e9.

Cervical dilation before first-trimester surgical abortion (

First-trimester surgical abortion is a common, safe procedure with a major complication rate of less than 1%. Cervical dilation before suction aspiration is usually accomplished using tapered mechanical dilators. Risk factors for major complications in the first trimester are increasing gestational age and provider inexperience. Use of laminaria for cervical priming reduces the risk of cervical laceration and, to a lesser extent, uterine perforation. While pharmacological priming agents may potentially have the same effects, no published studies to date have been large enough to assess these outcomes. Given an experienced provider, the risk of these injuries during suction aspiration is very small. Cervical priming can be achieved with osmotic dilators or pharmacological agents. The advantages of osmotic dilators such as laminaria, Dilapan-S™ and Lamicel® are their ability to produce wide cervical dilation, and for the synthetic types, their advantages include predictable effects and rapid onset of action. A disadvantage of osmotic dilators is that they require a speculum examination and a trained clinician to perform the insertion. When cervical priming is performed, misoprostol is the prostaglandin analogue most commonly used worldwide. Compared to laminaria, vaginal misoprostol requires a shorter period of time to achieve the same dilatation, is associated with less discomfort and is preferred by women. The sublingual route appears as effective as vaginal administration and requires less time for priming (2 h), but it is associated with more side effects. Oral administration can produce equivalent dilation to vaginal or sublingual administration, but higher doses and longer treatment periods (8 to 12 h) are required. Buccal administration of misoprostol appears to have a pharmacokinetic and physiologic profile similar to vaginal administration; however, there are no published studies of buccal misoprostol prior to first-trimester suction abortion. While extensive data demonstrate that a variety of agents are safe and effective at causing cervical softening and dilation preoperatively, there are not enough data to conclude that routine cervical priming is necessary to reduce complications of first-trimester surgical abortion. Cervical priming increases preoperative cervical dilation, making the procedure easier and quicker for the physician. However, in order to preoperatively dilate the cervix, the woman must receive the agent at least 3 to 4 h prior to her procedure. Besides the additional waiting, the woman might experience bleeding and cramping prior to the procedure. There are insufficient data evaluating how cervical priming affects women's quality of life in relation to abortion. Based on existing evidence, the Society of Family Planning does not recommend routine cervical priming for suction aspiration procedures. The Society of Family Planning further recommends that providers consider cervical priming only for women who may be at increased risk of complications from cervical dilation, including those late in the first trimester, adolescents and women in whom cervical dilation is expected to be difficult due to either patient factors or provider experience.

Comparison of self‐administered vaginal misoprostol versus placebo for cervical ripening prior to operative hysteroscopy using a sequential trial design*

To compare the impact of 1000-microgram self-administered vaginal misoprostol versus self-administered vaginal placebo at home on preoperative cervical ripening in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women prior to outpatient resectoscopy. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled sequential trial. Norwegian university teaching hospital. Premenopausal and postmenopausal women referred to outpatient resectoscopy. The women were randomised to either 1000 micrograms of self-administered vaginal misoprostol or self-administered vaginal placebo the evening before outpatient resectoscopy. Preoperative cervical dilatation, acceptability and complications. (a) Intraoperative findings and distribution of cervical dilatation in the two treatment groups. Values are given as median (range) or n (%). (b) Acceptability in the two treatment groups. Values are given as completely acceptable, n (%); fairly acceptable, n (%); fairly unacceptable, n (%) and completely unacceptable, n (%). (c) Pain in the two treatment groups. Pain was measured with a visual analogue scale score, scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain). Values are given as median (range). (d) Occurrence of adverse effects in the two treatment groups. Values are given as n (%). (e) Complications, given as n (%).

Sublingual versus vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening PRIOR TO manual vacuum aspiration under local anaesthesia: A randomized study

Objective To compare the effectiveness of sublingual and vaginal misoprostol application for cervical ripening prior to manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) under local anaesthesia for voluntary termination of pregnancy between 7 and 10 weeks of gestation.Materials and methods Prospective randomized study in which 72 women were randomly assigned to administration of either 400 μg vaginal misoprostol 3 hours prior to or 200 μg sublingual misoprostol 2 hours prior to the surgical procedure. We took the pre-operative cervical dilatation that was achieved as the main outcome measure. The duration of the procedure, intra-operative blood loss, pain perception before and during the operation, patients' satisfaction, side effects and duration of post-operative bleeding were secondary outcome measures.Results A similar pre-operative cervical dilatation was achieved in the sublingual and the vaginal groups (6.9 ± 1.6 mm and 6.6 ± 1.1 mm, respectively; p = 0.3). The duration of the operation, intra-operative blood loss, and patients' satisfaction did not differ between the two groups. Pain scores were significantly higher in the sublingual group than in the vaginal group, both after administration of misoprostol (p = 0.02) and during the procedure (p = 0.02). Nausea and vaginal spotting were significantly more frequent (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003, respectively), but post-operative bleeding significantly shorter (p = 0.003) in the sublingual group.Conclusion Administration of 200 μg sublingual misoprostol 2 hours before suction curettage under local anaesthesia was as effective as 400 μg vaginal misoprostol 3 hours before that procedure with regard to achieving cervical dilatation. It resulted in higher pre-operative and intra-operative pain scores without changing patients' satisfaction.

Fertility control: Oral versus self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home before surgical termination of pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial

To compare the impact of 400 mug oral versus self-administered vaginal misoprostol at home on pre-operative cervical priming in both primigravid and multigravid women prior to first trimester surgical abortion. Randomised controlled trial. Norwegian University Teaching Hospital. Three hundred and thirty-eight women undergoing surgical abortion between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation. The women were randomised to either 400 microg of oral misoprostol the evening before or 400-microg of self-administered vaginal misoprostol at home the same day as vacuum aspiration. Main outcome measures Pre-operative cervical dilatation, complications and acceptability. The median cervical dilatation was 6.2 mm (range 0-11 mm) for the women in the 400 mug oral misoprostol and 6.5 mm (range 0-11 mm) in the 400-microg vaginal misoprostol groups. The median pre-operative dilatation was larger in multigravidae (6.4 and 6.7 mm for the oral and vaginal routes, respectively) than in primigravidae (5.8 and 6.0 mm, respectively). In primigravidae, 19% achieved a pre-operative dilatation of > or = 7 mm, with no significant difference between oral and vaginal dosage. In multigravidae, 52% achieved a pre-operative dilatation of > or = 7 mm with vaginal dosage, compared with 36% with oral dosage (P = 0.03). There was no difference between non-immigrant versus immigrant women in pre-operative cervical dilatation. The 400-microg oral dosage group had a higher risk of bleeding, compared with the group receiving 400-microg vaginal misoprostol [odds ratio (OR) = 10.4; confidence interval (CI) 5.2-20.8]. There was no difference between non-immigrant and immigrant women in acceptability of self-administered vaginal misoprostol; almost all women found this administration route acceptable. Complications were minor and were distributed equally between the two dosage groups. The vaginal route will result in a satisfactory dilatation in about half of multigravidae but is much less effective in primigravidae. The oral route does not lead to satisfactory dilatation in either group and is associated with a higher occurrence of pre-operative bleeding. Self-administered vaginal misoprostol at home is highly acceptable.

ACOG Technology Assessment #4: Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is an effective, minimally invasive procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathology. Selection of a distending medium requires consideration of the advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with various media as well as their compatibility with electrosurgical or laser energy. Preoperative discussions with patients should address risks and benefits of the procedure, comorbidities, analgesia or anesthesia, and possible preoperative cervical dilation. Pregnancy, genital tract infection, and uterine carcinoma are contraindications to hysteroscopy. Possible complications include hemorrhage, fluid overload, perforation, visceral injury, infection, and embolization.

Dilation and evacuation at ≥20 weeks: comparison of operative techniques

Objective The objective of this study is to compare the relative safety of 2 techniques for surgical abortion late in the second trimester. Study design Retrospective review of patients who underwent surgical abortion at ≥20 weeks' gestation at our hospital from June 1996 through June 2003. Records were reviewed to determine whether the technique used was dilation and evacuation or intact dilation and extraction. Subsequent pregnancies at our hospital were identified, and obstetric outcomes were recorded. Categorical data were compared with Fisher exact test and χ 2 analysis. Continuous data were compared with Mann-Whitney U test. Results Three hundred eighty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Intact dilation and extraction was performed in 120 cases, and dilation and evacuation was used in 263. Intact dilation and extraction was associated with higher parity, later gestational age, and more preoperative cervical dilation. There was no difference in procedure time or estimated blood loss in the 2 groups. Complications occurred in 19 cases (5.0%), and occurred with similar frequency in the 2 groups. We identified 62 subsequent pregnancies. There were no second-trimester miscarriages. Spontaneous preterm birth occurred in 2 of 17 (11.8%) pregnancies in the intact dilation and extraction group, compared with 2 of 45 (4.4%) in the dilation and evacuation group ( P = .30). Conclusion Outcomes appear similar between patients undergoing dilation and evacuation and intact dilation and extraction after 20 weeks' gestation. Subsequent obstetric outcomes are similar between the 2 groups. The technique for surgical abortion should be determined by the physician on the basis of intraoperative factors.

Impact of midtrimester dilation and evacuation on subsequent pregnancy outcome

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of second-trimester dilation and evacuation (D&E) on subsequent pregnancy outcome. Study Design: Medical record review of 600 patients undergoing midtrimester (14-24 weeks) D&E from 1996 to 2000 and evaluation of subsequent pregnancy outcome. Mann Whitney U , Spearman rho, and χ2 tests were used in statistical analysis with a P value <.05 considered significant. Results: Ninety-six subsequent pregnancies were identified, including 12 first-trimester spontaneous abortions, 1 second-trimester fetal death, 1 ectopic pregnancy, and 5 elective terminations. Seventy-seven pregnancies resulted in the delivery of a live-born infant at a median gestational age of 39.0 weeks. Five pregnancies (6.5%) were complicated by spontaneous preterm birth. Patients delivered preterm had an earlier gestational age at D&E (18.0 vs 20.0 weeks, P =.02) and a trend toward less preoperative cervical dilation (2.0 vs 3.0 cm, P =.09) than patients delivered at term. Conclusion: Second-trimester D&E is not a risk factor for midtrimester pregnancy loss or spontaneous preterm birth. Preterm delivery in future gestations appears less likely when greater preoperative cervical dilation is achieved with laminaria, possibly because of a decrease in cervical trauma. ( Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:882-5.)

Oral versus vaginal misoprostol for cervical priming in first-trimester abortion: a randomized trial

The objective of this study was to compare the oral and vaginal administration of misoprostol for cervical priming before surgical abortion up to 63 days' gestation. A total of 900 pregnant women, with ages ranging from 18 to 42 years, who asked for pregnancy termination, were included in this study. Women were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: oral administration of 400 μg misoprostol, 8 h before aspiration; and vaginal self-administration of 400 μg misoprostol, 4 h before aspiration. During admission, all subjects were checked on a 15-min basis. The preoperative cervical dilatation achieved was the main outcome assessed. The cervix was dilated (Hegar ≥ 8) in 348 (78%) subjects from the oral treatment group and in 391 (87%) women from the vaginal treatment group; this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0004). The mean dilatation achieved in the oral treatment group was 8.1 mm (SD 1.6 mm) and it was 8.5 mm (SD 1.5 mm) in the vaginal treatment group; this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). The frequencies of side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and chills reported by women from the vaginal misoprostol group were 10, 8, 18 and 4 times lower, respectively, than those reported by subjects from the oral misoprostol group. In conclusion, vaginal self-administration of misoprostol was the best administration route, as it obtained the same or greater priming effectiveness of the cervix in half the time with a much lower frequency of side-effects.

Oral Misoprostol for Cervical Priming in Non-Pregnant Women

Endometrial biopsy and hysteroscopy are important investigations in women presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Endometrial biopsy is often performed as an outpatient procedure by endometrial aspiration. Difficulty in entering the internal cervical os may be encountered, especially in nulliparous women. The same problem may occur during hysteroscopy or dilatation and curettage. It is well known that use of a cervical priming agent is effective in reducing complications during cervical dilatation in pregnant women. However, its use in non-pregnant women is not well established. We compared oral misoprostol versus placebo for a cervical priming effect in non-pregnant women prior to hysteroscopy. The cumulative force required for cervical dilatation was significantly lower whereas the baseline cervical dilatation was significantly greater in the misoprostol group. We conclude that oral misoprostol is effective for pre-operative cervical dilatation in non-pregnant women.

Oral misoprostol for cervical priming in non-pregnant women

Endometrial biopsy and hysteroscopy are important investigations in women presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Endometrial biopsy is often performed as an outpatient procedure by endometrial aspiration. Difficulty in entering the internal cervical os may be encountered, especially in nulliparous women. The same problem may occur during hysteroscopy or dilatation and curettage. It is well known that use of a cervical priming agent is effective in reducing complications during cervical dilatation in pregnant women. However, its use in non-pregnant women is not well established. We compared oral misoprostol versus placebo for a cervical priming effect in non-pregnant women prior to hysteroscopy. The cumulative force required for cervical dilatation was significantly lower whereas the baseline cervical dilatation was significantly greater in the misoprostol group. We conclude that oral misoprostol is effective for pre-operative cervical dilatation in non-pregnant women.