Medical versus surgical method of pregnancy termination during first trimester

ABSTRACT

Background: Medical as well as surgical methods for abortion is performed worldwide since many years. Medical methods are safe till first trimester of pregnancy. The present study is intended to compare success rate and side effects of both method of abortion during first trimester. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study and compare the success rate in both the methods of termination of pregnancy in first trimester and to study side effects and complications as well as satisfaction among study participants undergoing termination of pregnancy during first trimester in both methods. Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of one of the teaching medical institute of Ahmedabad among women seeking Medical termination of pregnancy with less than or equal to 9 weeks of gestation. Total 150 participants were selected using purposive sampling (75 in each group). Group A consist of patients having medical termination of pregnancy by medical method and Group B consist of cases that required termination of pregnancy by surgical method. Results: Mean age of the patients in Group A was 27.98 � 4.57 years and Group B was 27.58 � 4.22 years. Proportion of complete abortion in medical and surgical method was 88% and 96%, respectively. Surgical method had more effectiveness and success rate for complete abortion as compare to medical method. The mean duration of bleeding per vagina in both groups were more among Group A. Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever were also found to be more in Group A as compared to Group B. Those who had medical method were more satisfied than surgical method. Conclusion: Both methods are safe and effective as far as termination of first trimester pregnancy is concerned. Proper counseling with appropriate selection can bring safe and effective outcome in first trimester of termination of pregnancy