Role of misoprostol in overcoming an unsatisfactory colposcopy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol in overcoming an unsatisfactory colposcopy and to analyse the factors that might influence the response to misoprostol, i.e. age, menopausal status, duration of menopause and cervical characteristics.


METHODS
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
Forty patients with unsatisfactory colposcopy were recruited from the colposcopy clinic and were randomly allocated to receive either 400 microg misoprostol or similar-looking placebo tablets vaginally. Repeat colposcopy was performed after 6 h noting the side effects, if any.


RESULTS
One patient was excluded from the misoprostol group because postdrug colposcopic examination could not be done due to a technical fault. Of the 19 patients in the misoprostol group, 15 (78.9%) had satisfactory examination compared to only 6 of the 20 (30%) patients in the placebo group. This effect of misoprostol was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Misoprostol in the present study averted 3 cone biopsies and 12 endocervical curettages. The side effects of misoprostol were comparable in both groups. The slit-like external os and the posterior cervical lip as the site of unsatisfactory colposcopy had better conversion rates compared to pinhole os (66.6 vs.81.2%) and anterior lip involvement (85.7 vs.100%).


CONCLUSIONS
Four hundred micrograms of intravaginal misoprostol is an effective and safe method to convert an unsatisfactory colposcopy into a satisfactory one.
Aggarwal
Richa
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India. richa_agg2005@rediffmail.com
Suneja
Amita
A
Agarwal
Neera
N
Mishra
Kiran
K
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects*; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D011300:Preoperative Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010120:Oxytocics; D010919:Placebos; D016595:Misoprostol