Background: Induced abortion medically or surgically has been practised for thousands of years. Cervical priming prior to surgical evacuation is the most important step. Among various pharmacological agents available misoprostol PGE1 analogue is the most widely used. Various routes of administration of misoprostol has own merits and demerits. The present study will determine the role of vaginal misoprostol for cervical priming in first trimester MTP.

Aims and Objectives: To study the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol for cervical priming in first trimester MTP.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty women seeking MTP between 8 to 14 weeks of gestation were recruited for the study. Among these, 75 women were randomly allocated to study group which received vaginal misoprostol 400 µg 3 – 4 hours prior to surgical evacuation and 75 women were allocated to control group which underwent surgical evacuation after mechanical dilatation.  The preevacuation cervical dilatation, blood loss, operative time and any complications occurred were recorded for both the groups.

Results: The mean pre evacuation cervical dilatation was significantly higher in study group in comparison to control group (9.8 ± 1.90 mm; 5.45 ± 1.23 mm; p < 0.001). Mean blood loss and mean time taken was significantly less in study group when compared to control group.

Conclusion: Vaginal misoprostol when used 3-4  hours prior to suction evacuation is safe, cheap, easy to use , acceptable and effective for cervical priming before dilatation.

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Monika Thakur

Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DYSPGMC Nahan 173001

Himachal Pradesh, India