A randomised study to compare the efficacy of combined use of intra cervical foleys catheter followed by vaginal misoprostol with misoprostol alone in termination of second trimester pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of intracervical Foleys catheter and vaginal misoprostol compared to vaginal misoprostol alone in termination of second trimester pregnancy.Study Design: A prospective randomised studyMethods: 60 women intended for termination of pregnancy between 13-20 weeks of pregnancy were randomly allocated to receive either intracervical Foleys with vaginal misoprostol (n=30) or only vaginal misoprostol 200 mcg 4th hourly (n=30). Procedure efficacy i.e., induction to abortion interval and number of doses of misoprostol required to complete abortion were assessed in both groups.Results: The induction to abortion interval was 10.47 +/- 3.42 hours in combined group compared to 19.6 +/- 5.2 hours in misoprostol only group. The mean dose of vaginal misoprostol required in combined group was 544 mcg compared to 940 mcg in misoprostol alone groupConclusion: Combined use of intracervical Foleys with vaginal misoprostol is a safe, effective alternative for termination of second trimester pregnancy.