[Preoperative cervix dilatation with the prostaglandin E1 analogue Cervagem].

Cervical dilatation before vacuum aspiration for abortion can be difficult especially among primigravidae with increased risk of perforation of the uterus and damage to the cervix. Both mechanical methods and prostaglandin F analogs have been used but these methods have a relatively high incidence of side effects and are not suitable for general hospital treatment. 111 primigravidae abortion patients were treated with the prostaglandin E1 analog 1616-dimethyl trans-delta-2-PGE1 methyl ester (Cervagem) in the form of a vaginal suppository. All of the patients were 5-12 weeks pregnant established by Naegeles rule and gynecological examination. The first 70 patients received the vaginal suppository in the posterior fornix 1-4 hours preoperatively. The next 41 women constituted the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in age or length of pregnancy between the two groups. Preoperative cervical dilatation was defined by the largest Hagar rod which could be inserted into the cervical canal without resistance. The Cervagem group had an average cervical dilatation of 6.98 mm compared to 4.5 mm in the control group. One patient in the Cervagem group and 7 patients in the control group had completely closed cervical canals or dilatation proved to be especially difficult. The application of the Cervagem suppositories is simple and can usually be done by a nurse. This in combination with the rapid onset of effect makes Cervagem well suited to general use.