Comparative trial of extra-amniotic and vaginal prostaglandin E2 in tylose gel for induction of labor.

Two hundred and sixty-one patients of varying parity and cervical "ripeness" were given Prostaglandin E2 (PCE2) in tylose gel either vaginally (2.0 mgm) or extraamniotically (0.3 mgm) prior to planned surgical induction. Surgical inductions was avoided in 52 per cent of the vaginal group and 40 per cent of the extra-amniotic group. When subdivided according to parity and cervical ripeness, both groups were comparable except in the multigravid patients with high cervical 'scores', when the vaginal route was significantly more likely to establish labor. Both groups were without significant ill-effects to the mother or fetus.