Curettage after midtrimester termination of pregnancy. Is it necessary?

ABSTRACT

We conducted a prospective study to assess the need for curettage after spontaneous expulsion of the placenta in midtrimester termination of pregnancy. The rate of early complications (9.4%) was consistent with previously reported data. A higher incidence of intrauterine adhesions, detected on hysteroscopy, was observed in patients who underwent curettage (38.5% vs. 7.7%, P = .0727). In order to prevent intrauterine adhesions, curettage should be restricted to cases in which retained products of conception are suspected. It should not be performed routinely in every case of midtrimester termination of pregnancy after spontaneous expulsion of the placenta.