The use of misoprostol prior to hysteroscopy in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND

This study examined whether oral misoprostol exerted a cervical priming effect in postmenopausal women prior to hysteroscopy.

METHOD

Thirty-seven patients were randomized to receive either oral misoprostol (400 microg) or placebo (vitamin B(6)) 12 h prior to hysteroscopy. The resistance of the cervix to dilatation was objectively assessed by a cervical tonometer.

RESULTS

The mean baseline cervical dilatation (4.2 mm in misoprostol group versus 4.4 mm in placebo group) was similar between the two groups. The mean cumulative force measured (27.7 N in misoprostol group versus 21.8 N in placebo group) was also comparable. None of the patients suffered from any significant side-effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These data showed that there were no significant benefits from giving misoprostol pre-operatively in postmenopausal women, and it was concluded that oral misoprostol had no significant cervical priming effect in postmenopausal women.