Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Sublingual to Vaginal Misoprostol for Cervical Priming Prior to Surgical Termination of Pregnancy in First Trimester.

Background: To compares the effectiveness and acceptability of sublingual versus vaginal route of misoprostol for cervical priming prior to vacuum aspiration. Material and methods: In this prospective clinical study, a total of 70 women with period of gestation between 6 and 12 weeks selected randomly for day surgery abortion were sequentially allocated into two groups of 36 and 34. All selected women received 400 mg of misoprostol 3 hours prior to vacuum aspiration either by sublingual or by vaginal route in the hospital. Results: For all periods of gestation, sublingual misoprostol significantly improved cervical dilatation. Duration of the procedure and amount of blood loss were comparable in both the groups. Patient acceptability was higher in the sublingual group. Conclusion: Cervical priming with sublingual misoprostol is effective and convenient route with high patient acceptability rate.