[Practical contribution of examination of the products of abortion]

Methods of removal, histological analysis, and interpretation of products of abortion are described. Gross pathological examination should include a search for the egg or site of nidation in the decidua, and for embryoplacental lesions in the egg. Histological changes related to the topography, development stage, duration of intrauterine retention, and primary lesions of the villosities are outlined. Apart from incomplete products or those with prolonged intra-utérine retention, it is proposed that ovular pathology be classified in four main syndromes: endometrial changes with a subnormal egg; embryonic alterations with a subnormal placenta; overall hypoplasia of the embryo and placenta; trophoblastic diseases.