title: Comparison of the footpump suction evacuator with the manual vacuum aspirator for uterine evacuation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of a novel footpump suction evacuator with the manual vacuum aspirator in the management of women with incomplete abortions requiring uterine evacuation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective comparative analysis of women allocated to either manual vacuum aspiration of the uterus or footpump suction evacuation, following first- or second-trimester incomplete abortion.
  
  
  METHODS
  The gynaecology casualty theatre, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town.
  
  
  METHODS
  121 women with first- or second-trimester abortions. Patients with signs of septic abortion were excluded from the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Uterine evacuation under general anaesthesia by means of a manual vacuum aspirator or a novel footpump suction evacuator.
  
  
  METHODS
  Endpoints assessed included duration of the procedures, ease of evacuation, estimated blood loss, volume of products of conception obtained, postoperative complications of the procedures and amount of analgesia required postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The manual vacuum aspirator and footpump suction evacuator appeared equally effective for uterine evacuation. There were no significant differences in the endpoints assessed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both methods appear equally effective for uterine evacuation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gaertner
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Petro
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: de Jong
mesh_terms: D000027:Abortion, Incomplete / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014619:Vacuum Curettage / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*