Second and early third trimester pregnancy termination by extra-amniotic balloon and intracervical PGE2.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of an alternative modality using extra-amniotic balloon and intracervical prostaglandin (PG) E2 for termination of second and early third trimester pregnancies.


METHODS
Thirty-three pregnant women scheduled for legal termination of pregnancy at 15-32 weeks' gestation were included in the study. Each case received extra-amniotic balloon containing 500-800 ml normal saline and two PGE2 tablets inserted into the cervical canal.


RESULTS
All 33 patients achieved a successful termination. The mean induction-to-abortion interval was 12.85 h. There was no significant difference in induction-to-abortion interval between second trimester group and third trimester group. However, the mean duration of balloon distention was longer in the second trimester group. There were no severe complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined use of extra-amniotic balloon and intracervical PGE2 tablets is effective, safe and convenient for termination of second and early third trimester pregnancy.
Liu
H S
HS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defence Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
Yu
M H
MH
Chang
Y K
YK
Chu
T Y
TY
D000029:Abortion, Legal; D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D000650:Amnion; D002404:Catheterization; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010120:Oxytocics; D015232:Dinoprostone