Second-trimester surgical abortion

Surgical abortion in the second trimester became popularized in the 1970s, and now accounts for the majority of abortion procedures performed in this country. Dilation and evacuation is the most commonly used method in the second trimester, but dilation and curettage can be used with earlier gestations, and intact dilation and extraction accounts for a minority of later procedures. These various procedures will be addressed in detail. Other considerations such as preoperative and intraoperative use of ultrasound, use of uterotonics, pain management, appropriate location for second-trimester abortion provision, and routine postoperative care will also be reviewed.