[Cervical dilatation with Lamicel in gravida I women applying for termination of pregnancy].

Thirty primigravidae referred for termination of pregnancy in the first trimester participated in a prospective randomised investigation. The object of this investigation was to determine the extent of cervical dilatation obtainable employing a new osmotic cervical dilator, Lamicel. In fifteen patients, a 3 mm Lamicel rod was introduced four hours prior to abortion by suction and fifteen patients functioned as the control group. In the treated group, dilatation of the cervix was commenced with a cervical diameter of 7 mm compared with 3 mm in the control group (p less than 0.01). Four patients stated that they experienced transient pain on introduction of Lamicel. No differences in the nature and frequencies of complications were observed between the groups. Employment of Lamicel provides gentle and effective dilatation of the cervical canal and the method is thus considered as suitable for termination of pregnancy.