Comparison of the footpump suction evacuator with the manual vacuum aspirator for uterine evacuation.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of a novel footpump suction evacuator with the manual vacuum aspirator in the management of women with incomplete abortions requiring uterine evacuation.

DESIGN

A prospective comparative analysis of women allocated to either manual vacuum aspiration of the uterus or footpump suction evacuation, following first- or second-trimester incomplete abortion.

SETTING

The gynaecology casualty theatre, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town.

PATIENTS

121 women with first- or second-trimester abortions. Patients with signs of septic abortion were excluded from the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Uterine evacuation under general anaesthesia by means of a manual vacuum aspirator or a novel footpump suction evacuator.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Endpoints assessed included duration of the procedures, ease of evacuation, estimated blood loss, volume of products of conception obtained, postoperative complications of the procedures and amount of analgesia required postoperatively.

RESULTS

The manual vacuum aspirator and footpump suction evacuator appeared equally effective for uterine evacuation. There were no significant differences in the endpoints assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Both methods appear equally effective for uterine evacuation.