Comparison of Manual Vacuum Aspiration and Misoprostol in the Management of Incomplete Abortion

ABSTRACT

Background: Incomplete abortions can be managed expectantly; surgically and medically (using misoprostol). Expectant management is safe in places where women have access to information; appropriate care and follow-up; however; in isolated and poor areas women who come for help need an intervention.Objective: To compare the efficiency of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and misoprostol in the treatment of incomplete abortion.Patients and method: This was a prospective study over five months from March to August 2015. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of incomplete abortion were recruited into the study.Results: 308 patients with incomplete abortion were randomized into two treatment groups - MVA (done under local anaesthesia) and misoprostol (400 micrograms by the vaginal route). MVA was successfully performed for all patients. Two patients presented with anaemia. In the misoprostol group; 23 patients had vaginal bleeding; and 10 persistence of incomplete abortion. Conclusion: MVA is more effective than misoprostol with less complications in the treatment of incomplete abortion when it is done by a trained person