Publication

Abstract : Objectives To assess the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of intracervical foley catheter and vaginal misoprostol versus vaginal misoprostol for termination of second trimester pregnancy. Methods This clinical study was conducted on 200 pregnant patients intended for termination of pregnancy between 13-24 gestational weeks for any indication. Enrolled women were equally allocated into two groups: Group I (Misoprostol group): a standard regimen of moistened misoprostol tablets (400 μg) 4 hourly inserted vaginally. Group II (Combined group): intracervical Foley catheter inserted with a standard regimen of moistened misoprostol tablets (400 μg) 4 hourly intravaginally was used. Procedure efficacy (defined as complete abortion performed on site), safety and acceptability were assessed. Results The induction to abortion interval was 8.16 ± 1.52 hours in the combined group compared to 12.76 ± 1.63 hours in the misoprostol group (P value<0.001) with success rate of 96% in the combined group and no major complications reported. Conclusions Combined use of intracervical foley catheter and vaginal misoprostol is a novel safe, effective and acceptable method for termination of second trimester pregnancy.