Anaesthesia for suction termination of pregnancy

The effect of three anaesthetic techniques on blood loss and intra-uterine pressure changes in response to Syntocinon were studied in patients undergoing routine first trimester suction termination of pregnancy. All patients received a standard premedication, a bolus dose of fentanyl, intravenous induction of anaesthesia and maintenance with nitrous oxide and oxygen plus either intravenous supplementation or 0.5% halothane. Intra-uterine pressure was related to the anaesthetic technique used although blood loss was unrelated either to anaesthetic technique or to intra-uterine pressure changes.