[Second trimester pregnancy termination with and without prostaglandins]

The effectiveness of three methods for second trimester pregnancy termination [TOP) was compared. A retrospective analysis was made in 34 cases with TOP by intraamniotic saline instillation and 19 cases with extra-amniotic appreciation of y ballon-catheter, followed by stimulation of uterine contractions by intravenous oxytocin infusion. The results were compared with the ones in 13 prospectively studied cases in which the extra-amniotic appreciation of the ballon-catheter was preceded by treatment of the cervix with 0.5 mg prostin E2 intracervically. In nulliparous patients the treatment of the cervix with y single dose prostaglandins did not shorten the mean abortion time neither reduced the percentage of unsuccessful and prolonged abortions. In parous patients the abortion time was significantly reduced. No failed or prolonged abortions were registered.