[Preoperative cervix dilatation in 1st trimester pregnancy interruption using 9-deoxy-16, 16-dimethyl-9-methylene prostaglandin E2. A randomized double-blind study].

In the double-blind study reported here the authors were able to confirm the time- and dose-related effect of dilatation of the cervix by means of the new prostaglandin-E2 derivative (9-deoxo-16, 16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PG-E2-potassium salt) as compared to placebo. In spite of the short preoperative duration of action of three hours it was observed that half of the patients treated with the prostaglandin derivative vomited once or several times. The authors therefore consider that administration of the prostaglandin vaginal suppository is only justified in cases with a high risk of cervical injury, and in primiparae undergoing termination under local anesthesia. In 38 patients termination was performed by means of direct cervicomyometrial analgesia. With one exception they approved of chemical dilatation of the cervix in spite of the side-effects, assuming that it would result in less intraoperative pain.