Comparison of the footpump suction evacuator with the manual vacuum aspirator for uterine evacuation.
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.
Gaertner
E
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital.
Petro
G
G
de Jong
P
P
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*