Misoprostol as aid in First Trimester MTP.

BACKGROUND: Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is a commonly performed during the first trimester. Dilatation and Evacuation (D & E) mandates rapid dilatation of cervix with metal dilators, which requires anaesthesia and may be associated with trauma to the uterus, cervix and later cervical incompetence. The problem of rapid cervical dilatation is obviated with intravaginal misoprostol.

METHODS: Intravaginal misoprostol tablet 200 microgram was inserted, a night prior to MTP to ripen the cervix. Cervix was dilated with metal dilators only in cases where cervix did not loosen up sufficiently. Products of conception were removed by suction.

RESULTS: Out of 108 cases cervical dilatation was not required in 96 cases (88.9%).

CONCLUSION: Intravaginal misoprostol 200 microgram proved effective as a priming agent prior to MTP in the first trimester.