Women's experiences of self-administration of misoprostol at home as part of early medical abortion: a qualitative evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Between 2017 and 2019, legislation was introduced in the UK that approved the home as a place for self-administration of misoprostol for early medical abortion. While research has shown that early medical abortion at home is as safe as in a clinical setting, women's experiences in the UK in the light of this change have not yet been investigated. This qualitative research explored the experiences of women in one region of Scotland, UK who accessed early medical abortion with home self-administration of misoprostol. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 women who had recently undergone early medical abortion (≤69 days' gestation) with home self-administration of misoprostol. The data were analysed thematically using an approach informed by the Framework analytic approach. RESULTS: Women appreciated the flexibility that home administration of misoprostol offered, including the opportunity to control the timing of the abortion. This was particularly important for women who sought not to disclose the abortion to others. Most women valued being in the comfort and privacy of the home when preparing for self-administration, although a small number highlighted some concerns about being at home. Most women reported that self-administration of misoprostol was straightforward; however, some expressed concerns around assessing whether their experiences were 'normal'. CONCLUSIONS: Women welcomed the opportunity for home self-administration of misoprostol. To further improve women's early medical abortion experience we suggest that the legislation be amended so that women can self-administer in an appropriate non-clinical setting, not just their home.

Combination of medical and surgical management in successful treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy: a case report series.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear consensus on the management of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), a complex and life-threatening condition. The objective of this study was to present a novel approach to management of CSP that combines medical therapy of multidose methotrexate and mifepristone with active surgical management by uterine curettage and consecutive local haemostasis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on a prospective case series of six women with first trimester pregnancy, in whom the diagnosis of CSP was confirmed by 2D and color Doppler transvaginal ultrasound and serial hormone chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing. Women were between 23 and 36 years old and had at least one previous delivery by caesarean. At admission, gestational age ranged between 6 to 14 weeks, and serum hCG levels between 397 and 23,000 mUI/ml. Upon decision of pregnancy termination, medical management was undertaken in all cases and 1 mg/kg systemic Methotrexate was administered between 1 and 5 daily doses. Mifepristone was part of the treatment in cases with live pregnancy. Surgical management was employed for the cases were an embryo was seen by ultrasound, being prompted by inadequate response to Methotrexate and/or signs of miscarriage with vaginal bleeding. Curettage combined with local isthmic balloon or vaginal pack tamponade prevented further complications. High treatment rates with preservation of fertility was achieved in all patients except one who underwent hysterectomy for invasive placentation. Ultrasound and hCG levels surveillance ensured that the resolution of pregnancy was achieved. CONCLUSION: Women with history of delivery by caesarean section should be carefully monitored in future pregnancies for prompt diagnosis of CSP. Early diagnosis of CSP allows selection of successful conservative therapy. Through this case series we contribute with our experience to the body of knowledge about the management of this serious complication of early pregnancy.

Feasibility of intra-amniotic digoxin administration by obstetrics and gynecology trainees to induce fetal demise prior to medical abortion beyond 20 weeks.

BACKGROUND: Transient fetal survival is one issue that providers may face while managing late second-trimester abortion. Induction of fetal demise using digoxin and other means has been widely performed by maternal-fetal medicine and family planning subspecialists worldwide. However, there are no data available in Ethiopia as regards preventing transient fetal survival in late second-trimester medical termination of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to document the feasibility of intra-amniotic digoxin administration for inducing fetal demise prior to medical abortion beyond 20 weeks of gestational age. Additionally, we aimed to demonstrate that this skill could be transferred to obstetrics and gynaecology residents at St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted to document the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of intra-amniotic digoxin. A structured questionnaire was used to collect selected sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS statistical package version 20. RESULTS: During the study period, 49 women received intra-amniotic digoxin. The success rate of intra-amniotic digoxin in this study was 95.9%. Thirty-seven (75.5%) procedures were performed by obstetrics and gynaecology residents and 12 (24.5%) were performed by family planning faculties. There were two out of hospital expulsions with no signs of life, and no other serious maternal complications were observed. CONCLUSION: It is feasible for obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in Ethiopia to learn how to safely administer intra-amniotic digoxin to induce fetal demise for induced medical terminations.

Foley's catheter balloon for induction of mid-trimester missed abortion with or without traction applied: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To determine whether the traction placed on a transcervical Foley catheter balloon inserted for the induction of mid-trimester missed abortion results in faster time of abortion.Study design: It was randomized clinical trial conducted at Assiut Woman's Health Hospital, Egypt, from September 2016 to August 2017 on women with missed abortion in the mid-trimester. Participants were randomly assigned to transcervical Foley catheter balloon insertion with or without traction. The primary outcome of this study was insertion to abortion time. The secondary outcomes included insertion to catheter expulsion time, vaginal bleeding, and pain associated with insertion. The outcome variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. A logistic regression model was utilized to examine the association between patient's characteristics and the failure of Foley catheter balloon expulsion within 24 hours.Results: Two hundred women were recruited (100 women in each group). The insertion to abortion time was significantly shorter in group I (traction group) than group II (no traction group) (16.49 ± 2.59 versus 18.24 ± 3.30 hours; p = .000). Insertion to balloon expulsion time in group I was also significantly short (7.92 ± 0.86 versus 9.12 ± 1.19 hours; p = .000). However, a significantly higher rate of vaginal bleeding and a higher degree of pain were reported by the women in group I (p = .008, p = .000; respectively). The nulliparity, longer interpregnancy interval (>22 months), smaller gestational age (<14 weeks) and lower Bishop Score before insertion (<2) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of Foley catheter balloon expulsion failure within 24 hours.Conclusion: The small time advantage of traction does not compensate for the downsides of traction, mainly pain, analgesic use, and vaginal bleeding.

Hangers, Potions, and Pills: Abortion Procedures on American Television, 2008 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Television portrayals of medical procedures may contribute to patient anxieties and cultural myths. We explored how television depicts abortion procedures, focusing on what these portrayals communicate about abortion access and safety. METHODS: Researchers identified all abortion procedure plotlines on American television from 2008 to 2018 through Internet searches. We viewed plotlines and coded for type of abortion, health outcome, and whether the abortion occurred on or off screen. We used inductive content analysis to identify themes. FINDINGS: We identified 96 television plotlines between 2008 and 2018 in which a character obtains or discloses an abortion. Of these, 39 plotlines (40%) depict some aspect of the abortion procedure. Twenty-three of the 39 abortion portrayals (59%) depict a surgical abortion procedure, of which about one-half were legal abortions and one-half were illegal. Only 7 of the 39 procedure plotlines (18%) portray medication abortions. Five of these plotlines depict illegal abortions; only two depict legal abortions. Four plotlines depict attempted abortions by supernatural means or ingestion of a toxic liquid. CONCLUSION: The majority of abortions on television are surgical, contrasting with the reality of abortion practice in which one-third of U.S. abortions are by medication. Portrayals of surgical abortion often reinforce the misperception that abortion is a surgical intervention requiring hospitalization. The few portrayals of medication abortion also perpetuate inaccuracies, including that it is easily accessible, uncommon, and dangerous. Portrayals of illegal abortions are overrepresented. This misinformation may seed unnecessary fear for patients before an abortion, and may create confusion among the public about abortion access and safety.

Pregnancy outcomes after removal of osmotic dilators in patients who presented for second-trimester abortion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to report pregnancy outcomes and potentially related complications among 13 patients who had osmotic dilators placed for second-trimester dilation and evacuation (D&E) followed by subsequent removal with the intention to continue their pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed billing and scheduling data between 2005 and 2017 to identify the total number of women seen for D&E and to identify the individuals who had dilators placed without a subsequent scheduled dilation and evacuation. We then performed chart reviews to determine pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2017, we treated 2532 patients who presented for second-trimester abortions by D&E and received osmotic dilators for cervical preparation. Twenty (0.8%) of these women had cervical dilators removed with the intention of continuing their pregnancies. We could obtain outcome data for 13 of these pregnancies; one of these women ultimately elected to have an abortion. Eight of the remaining 12 women (66%) experienced complications which included premature preterm rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, maternal infection and hemorrhage. Six (50%) pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion or fetal or neonatal death. CONCLUSION: Continuation of pregnancy after placement and removal of osmotic dilators may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. IMPLICATIONS: Of the women who had outcome data available, 50% who had cervical dilators removed experienced spontaneous abortion or fetal or neonatal death. Conservatively assuming that all women lost to follow-up had healthy pregnancies, 30% of women experienced fetal or neonatal death and 40% had an adverse pregnancy outcome.

Comparison of the Induction-to-Delivery Interval in Terminations of Pregnancy with or without Dilapan-S®.

OBJECTIVE: In France, terminations of pregnancy (TOP) for medical reasons beyond the second trimester use mifepristone and misoprostol. We sought to determine the effectiveness of Dilapan-S®, an osmotic cervical dilator, in shortening the induction-to-delivery interval (IDI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study of TOP in 2010-2012 compared the results from 2 hospitals with different TOP protocols starting at 16 weeks' gestation, one (164 women) with and one (106) without Dilapan-S®. The principal endpoint was the IDI. Results were analyzed according to 2 definitions of induction onset: definition 1, first dose of misoprostol in both centers, or definition 2, dilator placement if used, and otherwise first dose of misoprostol. RESULTS: With definition 1, the IDI was shorter with dilators (5 h 48 min vs. 10 h 18 min, p < 0.001); the rates of uterine evacuation within 12 and 24 h were higher (94.5 and 100 vs. 68.9 and 91.5%, p < 0.001), and the time between first misoprostol dose and amniotomy was shorter (0 h 47 min vs. 4 h 30 min, p < 0.001). Under definition 2, the IDI was longer with dilators (18 h 24 min vs. 10 h 18 min, p < 0.001), but the rate of evacuation within 24 h did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Dilapan-S® acts on cervical ripening and dilatation, thereby allowing early amniotomy. Assessing potential side effects and women's satisfaction requires prospective trials.

Delayed diagnosis and management of second trimester abdominal pregnancy.

Second trimester abdominal ectopic pregnancies are rare and life threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. We describe an unusually late diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy despite multiple ultrasounds beginning in early pregnancy. A 28-year-old G2P1001 sought pregnancy termination at 22 weeks' gestation after fetal anomalies were noted on an 18-week ultrasound during evaluation for elevated maternal serum alfa-fetoprotein. Due to abortion restrictions in her home state, she travelled over 500 miles for abortion care. During dilation and evacuation, suspected uterine perforation led to the finding of a previously undiagnosed abdominal pregnancy. At laparotomy, she underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy and removal of abdominal pregnancy and placenta. A multidisciplinary team approach was paramount in optimising the patient's outcome. Abortion restrictions requiring travel away from the patient's home community interrupted her continuity of care and created additional hardships, complicating management of an unexpected, rare and life-threatening condition.

Use of an endotracheal tube for surgical abortion complicated by a leiomyomatous uterus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal uterine anatomy, especially leiomyomas, can significantly impact the difficulty and potential morbidity of surgical uterine evacuation. To avoid hysterotomy and/or hysterectomy, limited evidence exists to guide surgical uterine evacuation when pregnancy tissue is inaccessible with routine instruments. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old G4P1021 African American woman at 14 4/7 weeks' gestation was referred for surgical-induced abortion in the setting of an enlarged leiomyomatous uterus. Two large opposing leiomyomas at the internal cervical os rendered pregnancy tissue inaccessible with routine gynecologic surgical instruments. With ultrasound guidance, an endotracheal tube was connected to routine electric suction and utilized to complete uterine evacuation. CONCLUSIONS: With distorted or markedly enlarged uterine anatomy rendering pregnancy tissue inaccessible with routine surgical instruments, the minimally invasive use of an endotracheal tube may aid completion of uterine evacuation for surgical uterine evacuation.

Manual compared with electric vacuum aspiration for abortion at less than 6 weeks of gestation: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether manual or electric vacuum aspiration results in greater immediate confirmation of completed abortion at less than 6 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Five hundred pregnant women presenting for surgical abortion with mean gestational sac diameter of less than 12 mm or no visible sac on ultrasonography were randomized to manual or electric vacuum aspiration. Tissue examination was performed by operating physicians, not blinded to group assignment, and by trained medical assistants, blinded to group assignment. Patients with no products of conception on gross inspection underwent repeat aspiration as necessary and serial human chorionic gonadotropin monitoring. All patients were scheduled for follow-up visits. The primary outcome was detection of products of conception in patients with subsequently confirmed completed abortion. RESULTS: From April 2010 to October 2011, 252 patients were randomized to manual vacuum aspiration and 248 to electric vacuum aspiration. One hundred eighty-two (82%) patients in the manual vacuum aspiration group had products of conception identified and subsequently confirmed completed abortion compared with 164 (76%) patients undergoing electric vacuum patients (P=.13, relative risk 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-1.07). In pregnancies of sac size 3 mm or less, including no visible sac, five of 29 (17%) patients undergoing manual vacuum aspiration had accurate identification of products of conception compared with four of 31 (13%) patients undergoing electric vacuum aspiration (P=.64, relative risk 0.85, 95% CI 0.44-1.63). Tissue reports of physicians and medical assistants had 90% concordance. Seventy-nine (16%) patients required human chorionic gonadotropin monitoring to confirm completed abortion. There were seven (1.4%) ongoing pregnancies, including four false-positive products of conception results and, among the latter, one presumed ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Our study supports providing abortions to women who request them before 6 weeks of gestation using either manual or electric vacuum aspiration. Early aspiration is highly effective, although human chorionic gonadotropin monitoring may be necessary to confirm complete abortion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Clinical management of the induction of labor in intrauterine fetal death: evaluation of incidence of cesarean section and related conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and conditions associated with cesarean section in a cohort of pregnant women with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), and clinical management to anticipate the childbirth. METHODS: It was a retrospective cohort study with 163 mothers with IUFD, at the second half of pregnancy, who were managed to anticipate childbirth using pharmacological preparations and/or a mechanical method (Foley catheter) in a teaching hospital in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Cox regression was used to evaluate the effect of the clinical methods on the kind of delivery. RESULTS: The Subgroups A (misoprostol or Oxytocin), B (misoprostol and Oxytocin), and C (Foley catheter alone or combined with misoprostol and/or Oxytocin) were formed according to the applied methods. Nine out of 163 cases ended with cesarean section. The incidence of cesarean section was 3.5 per 1,000 people-hours, meaning that a pregnant woman with IUFD had a 15.6% risk of cesarean section during the first 48 hours of clinical management to anticipate childbirth. The conditions significantly associated with the mode of delivery were placental abruption (HR: 44.97), having two or more previous cesarean deliveries (HR: 10.03), and mechanical method with Foley catheter (HR: 5.01). CONCLUSION: Cesarean section was an essential conduct in this cohort and followed previous cesarean delivery and placental abruption. The effect of the mechanical method on the abdominal route suggests that the Foley catheter method was used in the most difficult cases and that the surgery was performed to ensure maternal health.

Clinical management of the induction of labor in intrauterine fetal death: evaluation of incidence of cesarean section and related conditions / Manejo clínico na indução de parto de feto morto: avaliação da incidência e condições associadas à cesariana

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and conditions associated with cesarean section in a cohort of pregnant women with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), and clinical management to anticipate the childbirth. METHODS: It was a retrospective cohort study with 163 mothers with IUFD, at the second half of pregnancy, who were managed to anticipate childbirth using pharmacological preparations and/or a mechanical method (Foley catheter) in a teaching hospital in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Cox regression was used to evaluate the effect of the clinical methods on the kind of delivery. RESULTS: The Subgroups A (misoprostol or Oxytocin), B (misoprostol and Oxytocin), and C (Foley catheter alone or combined with misoprostol and/or Oxytocin) were formed according to the applied methods. Nine out of 163 cases ended with cesarean section. The incidence of cesarean section was 3.5 per 1,000 people-hours, meaning that a pregnant woman with IUFD had a 15.6% risk of cesarean section during the first 48 hours of clinical management to anticipate childbirth. The conditions significantly associated with the mode of delivery were placental abruption (HR: 44.97), having two or more previous cesarean deliveries (HR: 10.03), and mechanical method with Foley catheter (HR: 5.01). CONCLUSION: Cesarean section was an essential conduct in this cohort and followed previous cesarean delivery and placental abruption. The effect of the mechanical method on the abdominal route suggests that the Foley catheter method was used in the most difficult cases and that the surgery was performed to ensure maternal health. .

OBJETIVO: Verificar a incidência e as condições associadas à cesariana em coorte de gestantes com feto morto e manejo clínico para antecipar o parto. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 163 mães de feto morto intraútero, na segunda metade da gestação, que tiveram manejo clínico para antecipar o parto com administração de medicamentos e/ou por método mecânico com cateter de Foley, em um hospital escola do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A regressão de Cox foi empregada para avaliar o efeito entre os métodos clínicos e o modo de parto. RESULTADOS: Os subgrupos A (misoprostol ou ocitocina), B (misoprostol e ocitocina) e C (cateter de Foley isolado ou combinado com misoprostol e/ou ocitocina) foram formados de acordo com os métodos administrados. Nove dos 163 casos terminaram em cesariana. A incidência de cesariana foi de 3,5 por 1000 pessoas-hora, significando que uma gestante com óbito fetal teve um risco de 15,6% de parto por cesárea durante as primeiras 48 horas de manejo clínico para antecipar o parto. As condições significativamente associadas ao modo de parto foram duas ou mais cesáreas prévias (HR: 10,03), descolamento da placenta durante a indução (HR: 44,97) e o método mecânico com cateter de Foley (HR: 5,01). CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores associados ao parto por cesárea foram a cesárea prévia e a ocorrência de descolamento da placenta. O efeito do método mecânico sugere que ele foi usado nos casos mais difíceis e a cirurgia foi realizada para assegurar a saúde materna. .

First-trimester surgical abortion technique.

New data have emerged to support changes in first-trimester abortion practice in regard to antibiotic prophylaxis, cervical ripening, the use of manual vacuum aspiration, and pain management. This article addresses these new recommendations and reviews techniques in performing manual and electric vacuum uterine aspiration procedures before 14 weeks' gestation, including very early abortion (<7 weeks' gestation), technically difficult abortions, management of complications, and postabortal contraception. The information discussed also applies to miscarriage management.

Putting provider abortion skills into practice.

Global progress to reduce maternal deaths from unsafe abortion is inadequate. Clarifying abortion values and attitudes, using updated WHO safe abortion technical guidance, networking with other providers, and securing adequate abortion and contraceptive supplies can support providers to put induced abortion, postabortion care, and contraceptive skills into practice. Revised national guidelines based on updated WHO guidance can support women's healthcare providers to offer safe abortion for all legal indications and other measures to protect women's life and health. Recommendations of the United Nations and partner agencies can be used to support integration of abortion into other health programs, to expand provision of abortion care by midlevel providers, such as midwives, and to advocate for resources and results based on an expanded reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health Continuum of Care. Together, these efforts can generate concerted progress toward eliminating unsafe abortion, which is an entirely preventable cause of maternal mortality.

Methods and complications of septic induced abortion in patients managed at a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: To study the methods used for the termination of pregnancy and associated complications of induced abortion. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi. One Hundred patients were included in the study who was admitted with the history of induced abortion. The patients were assessed by detailed history and thorough clinical examination according to the study protocol. Data was collected on a specially designed Performa. Patients were interviewed in privacy and factors contributing to termination of pregnancy like age, parity, socioeconomic status and contraceptive failure were determined. Methods used for the procedure, status of abortionist were asked. Complications were determined by history, clinical examination and ultrasound examination. In view of all above data recommendations of preventing unwanted pregnancies were made. RESULTS: All patients were married and 57% of women belonged to age group of 31-40 years. Fifty-four 54% were grand multipara. In 63% of patients, induced abortion was carried out by Dai's. Most commonly used method was instrumentation (72%). Financial problems (46.7% ) and high parity (40%) were the most common factors contributing to termination of pregnancy. Serious complications like uterine perforation with or without bowel injury were accounted in 13% of women, septicaemia in 61%, peritonitis in 15% and DIC in 2%. During the study period illegally induced abortion accounted for 2% maternal deaths. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of poverty, illiteracy, grand multiparity and non-compliance of contraception were strong determinants of induced abortion, instrumentation being the most commonly used procedure resulting in high morbidity and mortality.

[An uncommon complication of unsafe induced abortion: bowel prolapse through uterine perforation]. / Une complication rare mais grave des avortements provoqués clandestins : l'évisceration iléale per vaginum.

The authors report one case of bowel prolapse through uterus following induced abortion. The eviscerated bowel was completely gangrenous, devoided from its mesentery and entrapped in the uterus wall. The treatment was a bowel resection and ileo-ileum anastomosis; the uterus was evacuated of retained products of conception and then sutured. The patient recovered uneventfully; fertility prognosis is expected to be poor because of abortion sequelae. If the abortion law still remains in Ivory Coast, more effort should be directed at reducing the incidence of unwanted pregnancy. This could be best archived by a better information on contraception and better health education programs.

Making appropriation 'stick': stabilizing politics in an 'inherently feminist' tool.

This article examines how feminist politics are made to 'stick' to appropriated technologies in the context of a contemporary feminist women's health clinic in the US. Feminist clinics such as 'FemHealth', founded as part of 1970s women's health movements, put medical tools and knowledge into lay women's hands, making the appropriation of medical technologies a centerpiece of their political project. In the process, they rejected the authority of physicians and gave new politicized meanings to the tools they claimed as their own. As lay healthworkers at FemHealth continued the project of appropriation, they also continued to negotiate their dependence on physicians to perform tasks that required a medical license. Drawing on participant observation and interviews with healthworkers, I argue that struggles over the role and authority of physicians in this clinic play out through debates over two similar and competing tools used in the abortion procedure: the single-tooth tenaculum and the cervical stabilizer. Many healthworkers invested in the stabilizer as 'inherently feminist' in hopes that it would maintain its politics even when passed into physicians' hands. While appropriation depends on the ability of users to alter a technology's meanings, actors may feel invested in the new politics taken on by appropriated tools and work towards making those meanings persist, or 'stick'.

[Clinical application of the natural cervical dilatators (Laminaria) in obstetrics and gynecology].

Laminaria tents are used in obstetrics and gynecology for dilatation and/or ripening of the cervix. They are effective in labor induction, abortion, endometrial biopsy, treatment of cervical stenosis, difficulty in inserting and removing intrauterine pessaries.