Pain control in first trimester surgical abortion.
BACKGROUND
First trimester abortions especially cervical dilation and suction aspiration are associated with pain, despite various methods of pain control.


OBJECTIVE
Compare different methods of pain control during first trimester surgical abortion.


METHODS
We searched multiple electronic databases with the appropriate key words, as well as reference lists of articles, and contacted professionals to seek other trials.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials comparing methods of pain control in first trimester surgical abortion at less than 14 weeks gestational age using electric or manual suction aspiration. Outcomes included intra- and postoperative pain, side effects, recovery measures and satisfaction.


METHODS
Two reviewers independently extracted data. Meta-analysis results are expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) or Peto Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI).


RESULTS
We included forty studies with 5131 participants. Due to heterogeneity we divided studies into 7 groups:Local anesthesia: Data was insufficient to show a clear benefit of a paracervical block (PCB) compared to no PCB or a PCB with bacteriostatic saline. Pain scores during dilation and aspiration were improved with deep injection (WMD -1.64 95% CI -3.21 to -0.08; WMD 1.00 95% CI 1.09 to 0.91), and with adding a 4% intrauterine lidocaine infusion (WMD -2.0 95% CI -3.29 to -0.71, WMD -2.8 95% CI -3.95 to -1.65 with dilation and aspiration respectively).PCB with premedication: Ibuprofen and naproxen resulted in small reduction of intra- and post-operative pain.Analgesia: Diclofenac-sodium did not reduce pain.Conscious sedation: The addition of conscious intravenous sedation using diazepam and fentanyl to PCB decreased procedural pain.General anesthesia (GA): Conscious sedation increased intraoperative but decreased postoperative pain compared to GA (Peto OR 14.77 95% CI 4.91 to 44.38, and Peto OR 7.47 95% CI 2.2 to 25.36 for dilation and aspiration respectively, and WMD 1.00 95% CI 1.77 to 0.23 postoperatively). Inhalation anesthetics are associated with increased blood loss (p<0.001).GA with premedication: The COX 2 inhibitor etoricoxib, the non-selective COX inhibitors lornoxicam, diclofenac and ketorolac IM, and the opioid nalbuphine were improved postoperative pain.Non-pharmacological intervention: Listening to music decreased procedural pain.No major complication was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Conscious sedation, GA and some non-pharmacological interventions decreased procedural and postoperative pain, while being safe and satisfactory to patients. Data on the widely used PCB is inadequate to support its use, and it needs to be further studied to determine any benefit.
Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Street, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. rennerr@ohsu.edu
Regina-Maria
RM
Renner
Jeffrey T J
JT
Jensen
Mark D N
MD
Nichols
Alison
A
Edelman
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000379:methods; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006991:Hypnosis, Anesthetic / Q000379:methods; D009147:Music Therapy; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011292:Premedication; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic