Interruption of pregnancy by cervical rivanol predilatation

Experience obtained in 1361 cases of first trimester pregnancy interruption with cervical Rivanol predilatation is reported. Rivanol-induced predilatation of the cervical canal prior to interruption was found to be an efficient procedure. The dilating effect of Rivanol could not be enhanced by i.m. administration of 5 IU oxytocin. After the interruption of more advanced pregnancies a higher degree of dilatation of the cervix was observed. The necessity of further dilatation prior to vacuum aspiration is, in the majority of cases, not higher than 2-2.5 H, which is insignificant on the softened cervix. The immediate complications of medical induction and interruption were infrequent and not severe. Thus, cervical predilatation with Rivanol prior to vacuum aspiration is a recommendable method of pregnancy interruption, worthy of widespread application.