Single dose extra-amniotic prostaglandin gel for midtrimester termination of pregnancy.

The efficacy of a single dose of prostaglandin F2 alpha gel instilled into the extra-amniotic space to induce termination of pregnancy in the second trimester has been assessed and compared with intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2 alpha and with an extra-amniotic infusion of prostaglandin F2 alpha combined with intravenous oxytocin. There was no significant difference between the methods in time taken to abortion, incidence of retained placenta, need for blood transfusion, or rate of sepsis. Single dose extra-amniotic prostaglandin gel is recommended as a safe, effective, and convenient method of midtrimester termination of pregnancy.