title: Cervical ripening using vaginal misoprostol before hysteroscopy: a double-blind randomized trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of vaginal misoprostol to decrease both the force required to dilate the cervix and the pain experienced during a hysteroscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized clinical trial (RCT) (Canadian Task Force classification I).
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital gynecology clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 101 patients needing a diagnostic hysteroscopy. Fifty patients were randomized to the misoprostol group and 51 to the placebo group. Patient characteristics were similar in the 2 groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-administration of 400 microg of vaginal misoprostol or vaginal placebo 12 to 24 hours before a hysteroscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The force needed to dilate the cervix was assessed by a tonometer, and pain was measured by a visual analog scale. The force to dilate the cervix to 6mm was significantly less in the misoprostol group (5.0 vs 7.5N, p=.02). Pain-related measurements after dilatation of the cervix to 6mm were significantly reduced in the misoprostol group (42.1 vs 57.2, p=.004). The main side effect reported with the use of the drug was pelvic cramping.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of 400 microg of vaginal misoprostol 12 to 24 hours before hysteroscopy reduces the pain and the force needed to dilate the cervix, with only mild side effects.
authors.affiliation: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, and Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada. guy.waddell@usherbrooke.ca
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Waddell
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Desindes
authors.forename: Larissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Takser
authors.forename: Marie-Claude
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Beauchemin
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bessette
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects*; D004106:Dilatation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain; D010919:Placebos; D017698:Postmenopause; D012646:Self Administration
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D010120:Oxytocics; D010919:Placebos; D016595:Misoprostol