Hygroscopic dilator (Dilapan-S™) and misoprostol combination for the early first-trimester termination of pregnancy: a pilot study. Issue 1 (1st January 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samuel, Mannampallil I; Parsons, John H
• Is Part Of: Journal of family planning and reproductive health care. Volume 35:Issue 1(2009)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2009-01-01
• Subjects: dilapan-s™ -- early medical abortion -- mifepristone -- misoprostol -- pain in abortion; Birth control -- Periodicals; Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; 613.905
• DOI: 10.1783/147118909787072234
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-1893

Abstract

Abstract : Background and methodology: Uptake of the mifepristone/misoprostol combination to induce early medical abortion in England and Wales has been slow. Women's concern that early medical abortion is painful may be a contributory factor. This pilot study evaluated the pain experienced by women when Dilapan-S ™, a synthetic hygroscopic dilator (polyacrylonitrile) is used instead of mifepristone as cervical preparation prior to administration of a misoprostol. Results: Of 25 patients completing the trial, 17 aborted in a median of 6 hours with an interquartile range of 4.5–11.5 hours. Of these, 15 patients recorded mild discomfort only, 14 considered the procedure excellent and three good. Discussion and conclusions: This study suggests that the Dilapan-S/misoprostol combination reduces the pain associated with early medical abortion. Further investigation of the protocol is merited.