The use of misoprostol prior to hysteroscopy in postmenopausal women.
BACKGROUND
This study examined whether oral misoprostol exerted a cervical priming effect in postmenopausal women prior to hysteroscopy.


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients were randomized to receive either oral misoprostol (400 microg) or placebo (vitamin B(6)) 12 h prior to hysteroscopy. The resistance of the cervix to dilatation was objectively assessed by a cervical tonometer.


RESULTS
The mean baseline cervical dilatation (4.2 mm in misoprostol group versus 4.4 mm in placebo group) was similar between the two groups. The mean cumulative force measured (27.7 N in misoprostol group versus 21.8 N in placebo group) was also comparable. None of the patients suffered from any significant side-effects.


CONCLUSIONS
These data showed that there were no significant benefits from giving misoprostol pre-operatively in postmenopausal women, and it was concluded that oral misoprostol had no significant cervical priming effect in postmenopausal women.
Ngai
S W
SW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China. cora@hkucc.hku.hk
Chan
Y M
YM
Ho
P C
PC
D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004106:Dilatation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010919:Placebos; D017698:Postmenopause
D010919:Placebos; D016595:Misoprostol