Efficacy of Intravaginal Misoprostol and Intracervical Foley's Catheter Ballooning in Therapeutic Termination of Pregnancy

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol with the intracervical Foley's catheter for therapeutic termination of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A Randomized control triaL. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Unit II, Nishtar Hospital Multan form 15th October 2007 to 15th May 2008. METHODOLOGY: Hundred pregnant ladies diagnosed by detailed history, examination and ultrasonography fulfilled the inclusion criteria, visiting outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nishtar Hospital Multan were selected for termination of pregnancy (TOP) by intravaginal misoprostol (group A) and intracervical Foley's catheter ballooning (Group B). Detailed history, abdominal examination and baseline investigations were done. RESULTS: Total participants in group A had a mean age ±SD of 25.42±0.68 years while it is 26.70±0.67 years in group B. Mean parity ± SD. was 1.14±0.16 versus 2.04±0.29 in group A and group B respectively. Mean interval to expulsion interval was less in group A (i.e. 9.340±0.605 hrs) while it was 10.645±0.622 hrs in group B. 94% (n=47) patients in group A, and 86% (n=43) patients in group B have shown successful results of pregnancy termination. CONCLUSION: For therapeutic termination of pregnancy intravaginal misoprostol is more effective as compared to intracervical Foley's catheter ballooning.