[Priming of the cervix with prostaglandins in the first and second trimester]

Sulprostone was used for preoperative cervical priming in the first and second trimester in 154 patients with missed abortion, hydatidiform mole, and termination for medical indications. In 61 patients 50 mcg sulprostone was administered into the cervix ("intramural"); in 93 patients sulprostone was administered preoperatively by the intragluteal route (4 injections of 250 micrograms at 4 hour intervals). After intramural injection an abortion score of at least 20 according to Csapo (preoperative) was obtained in 78% of patients, after intragluteal administration in 98%. The intragluteal route of administration of the prostaglandin derivative sulprostone for cervical priming in the first and second trimester is much simpler than the intramural route. The injections into the cervix are painful, the desired effect is not as great, and the incidence of side effects is higher. Cervical priming in the first trimester is also recommended because it avoids the severe complications that can occur during curettage.