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Dilation and evacuation for second-trimester genetic pregnancy termination
L P Shulman1, F W Ling, C M Meyers
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Physicians Foundation, Memphis, Tennessee.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a safe and effective procedure for second-trimester pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities. Post-procedure evaluation reliably confirms prenatal diagnoses, making D&E the recommended choice.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Medical Genetics
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is the most common second-trimester pregnancy termination method in the US.
- Labor induction is frequently used for genetic terminations despite higher risks.
- Geneticists hesitate to recommend D&E due to concerns about confirming fetal abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of D&E in confirming prenatal diagnoses of fetal abnormalities.
- To advocate for D&E as the preferred procedure for second-trimester genetic terminations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 60 consecutive patients undergoing D&E for confirmed fetal abnormalities.
- Gestational ages ranged from 14 to 22 weeks.
- Evaluation of products of conception for diagnostic confirmation.
Main Results:
- Prenatal diagnoses were confirmed in all 60 cases following D&E.
- D&E proved reliable in confirming fetal abnormalities detected prenatally.
- No significant diagnostic discrepancies were noted.
Conclusions:
- Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a reliable method for confirming prenatal diagnoses in second-trimester pregnancy terminations.
- D&E should be the procedure of choice for pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities.