Misoprostol-induced abortions in Kosovo

To compile and compare data on the abortions performed surgically and medically between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2008, at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo.

The information for this retrospective, descriptive study was collected from the abortion register and the register of operative protocols. The variables used were age, number of births, number of abortions, duration of the terminated pregnancy, method of abortion, complications during and/or after the procedure, and attendance at consultations about family planning.

A total of 1329 abortions were performed during the study period in women with a mean age of 30.12 years (range, 15-46 years). Of these abortions, 923 were performed by curettage, 108 by vacuum aspiration, and 250 using misoprostol. The rates of retained products of conception were 6.39%, 23.15%, and 8%, respectively, in these 3 groups. Heavy bleeding occurred in the 3 groups and there was 1 case of postabortion endometritis in both the curettage and the misoprostol group. However, no transfusions were needed and no uterine perforations occurred in the misoprostol group, whereas there were 9 transfusions in the vacuum aspiration group and 2 uterine perforations in the curettage group-1 followed by a hysterectomy.

Misoprostol was very successful in all cases, with no serious adverse effects. It is much easier to administer than to perform a surgical abortion, with less severe postabortion complications and lesser costs.