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  • Title: [Literary but technical abortion].
    Journal: Rev Enferm; 1983; 6(58-59):40-1. PubMed ID: 6554011.
    Abstract:
    Information from 2 recent books on the most common abortion techniques is presented. Menstrual aspiration can be performed up to 14 days after a missed period. A flexible plastic cannula 4-5 mm in diameter is passed through the cervix to the uterus, and the contents are evacuated using a syringe. Little dilatation is required and the procedure is done under local anesthesia. Aspiration through the 12th week is usually done under general anesthesia using a cannula and mechanical aspiration. A curette is used to assure that the abortion is complete. Local anesthesia is used in some places. From 12-16 weeks a combination of scraping and aspiration is used with general anesthesia and sometimes forceps. The uterine cervix requires greater dilatation. After 16 weeks the amniotic fluid is removed and a solution of salt and water is injected into the woman under local anesthesia. Contractions begin about 24 hours later. Labor may also be induced by oxytocin or prostaglandins which result in 8-15 hours of labor. This method of abortion probably causes the greatest amount of anxiety in the patient. Uterine scraping is described in the 2nd book as a procedure in which the cervix is progressively dilated with metal instruments of different sizes until it is sufficiently dilated to permit passage of the curette. Laminaria tents were previously placed in the cervix 24 hours prior to the abortion to achieve slow and progressive dilatation. General anesthesia is required because cervical dilatation is painful. In uterine aspiration the contents of the uterus are removed using tubes called Karmen cannulas. It is sometimes possible to avoid cervical dilatation by using thin cannulas, in which case general anesthesia may be avoided. After the aspiration the uterus may be scraped to assure the complete removal of the uterine contents. Prostaglandins may be used to initiate uterine contractions leading to expulsion of the uterine contents during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The procedure may cause significant side effects. Other procedures consist of injecting various substances into the uterine cavity during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Hysterotomy involves surgical opening of the abdomen and is analogous to cesarean section. Possible complications of an induced abortion include uterine perforation, bleeding, infection, and in extreme cases maternal death through sepsis. Medical attention should be sought in cases of hemorrhage, abdominal pain, fever, or general malaise after an induced abortion.
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