Carbon dioxide hysteroscopy immediately after second trimester abortion

The use of hysteroscopy has been restricted a.o. by the need for general anesthesia. This applies in particular to the pre- or post-partum period, because the hyperemic atonic uterus is easily over-inflated to a dangerous level. Over-inflation did not occur following 50 aspirotomy D & E procedures in the second trimester, using a para- and intracervical block with lidocaine 1% with adrenaline 1:200,000 only. The uterine cavity was always thoroughly evacuated in these cases in which final check suction had been performed. We recommend that postabortum hysteroscopy should be performed preferably under local anesthesia.