[Evaluation of various methods and means in atraumatic dilatation of the uterine cervix]

The method of dilation of the uterine cervix precedes the evacuation and curettage of the uterine cavity and at the same time presents the oldest method of conducting an artificial abortion. In the aim of decreasing the possibility of damaging the uterine cervix by a forcible mechanical dilation by means of metal dilators, it has always been attempted to dilate the cervix by various materials which would alleviate aggression towards tissue. A significant contribution to the solving of this problem has been made by the discovery and the application of laminaria which consist of seaweed. More recently, synthetic hygroscopic laminaria and prostaglandin preparations are in use, and they show a whole line of advantages in relation to traditional laminaria. The advantages are reflected in a faster and more gradual cervical dilation and the absence of genital tract infections following their application.