Medical versus surgical abortion: comparing satisfaction and potential confounders in a partly randomized study.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to compare satisfaction with medical and surgical abortion and to identify potential confounders affecting satisfaction.


METHODS
1033 women with gestational age (GA) < or = 63 days had either a medical (600 mg mifepristone followed by 1 mg gemeprost) or a surgical abortion (vacuum aspiration in general anaesthesia). The procedure was determined either by randomization (n = 111) or by choice (n = 922). Data on satisfaction, side effects and expectations were collected from questionnaires 2 and 8 weeks after termination.


RESULTS
More women were very satisfied or satisfied after a surgical than a medical abortion both after choosing method (92% vs 82%, P < 0.0001), and after randomization (94% vs 68%, P < 0.001). Satisfaction was higher after choosing a medical procedure than after randomization to the same procedure; 82% and 68%, respectively, P < 0.05. Satisfaction with the medical procedure was inversely correlated with GA and the intensity of pain, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, while satisfaction with the surgical procedure was unaffected by these side effects. Fewer women with a failed medical than a failed surgical abortion were satisfied (17% vs 62%), P < 0.05.


CONCLUSIONS
Satisfaction with both medical and surgical abortions is high, although higher with the surgical than the medical procedure, and higher after choosing method than after randomization.
Rørbye
Christina
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H:S Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. christina.roerbye@hh.hosp.dk
Nørgaard
Mogens
M
Nilas
Lisbeth
L
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000021:Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D017211:Treatment Failure
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D000021:Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal; D015735:Mifepristone; C021182:gemeprost; D000527:Alprostadil