Evaluation of patients' satisfaction of cervical ripening using dinoprostone by either intravaginal gel or pessary: an open-label, randomized, prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patient satisfaction of cervical ripening using dinoprostone (PGE2) by either intravaginal gel or pessary.

STUDY DESIGN

A group of 173 nulliparous women requiring cervical ripening were recruited in the study and randomized to receive either intravaginal gel (Prepidil, Upjohn, Milan, Italy [group A]) or intravaginal pessary (Propess, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Malmö, Sweden [group B]). Before administration of PGE2 and after delivery, the patients answered a questionnaire investigating the anxiety and discomfort caused by cervical ripening.

RESULTS

Of the group, 22 women did not adequately complete the questionnaire; therefore 151 women were included in the study. Before cervical ripening, anxiety and discomfort did not significantly differ between the two study groups; more patients in group A than in group B declared they would have preferred the other form of application. The intensity of pain experienced during the application of PGE2 was higher in group B than in group A. For the future opportunity to choose the application necessary for cervical ripening, more patients in group B than in group A would change the form of application.

CONCLUSION

Patient satisfaction with the two forms of treatment appears to be equally good. The application of the intravaginal pessary causes more discomfort than the vaginal gel.