Dilatation and curettage for second-trimester abortions

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Gynecologic Surgery

Background:

• Second-trimester abortions are commonly performed using various methods.
• Evaluating the safety and efficacy of different abortion procedures is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the outcomes of 2,500 second-trimester abortions using dilatation and curettage.
• To compare the safety and trauma associated with dilatation and curettage versus saline or prostaglandin instillation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 2,500 consecutive second-trimester abortions.
• Procedures performed primarily between 15 and 18 menstrual weeks.
• Data collection on complication rates, morbidity, and hospitalization duration.

Main Results:

• 99.2% of abortions were for gestations between 15-18 weeks.
• Dilatation and curettage showed lower complication rates than saline or prostaglandin instillation.
• Low uterine perforation (0.08%), overall morbidity (2.8%), and short hospitalization (1.1 days).

Conclusions:

• Dilatation and curettage is a safer and less traumatic option for second-trimester abortions.
• The procedure is associated with minimal complications and rapid recovery.
• This method supports favorable patient outcomes in second-trimester pregnancy termination.