Medical abortion at 9-13 weeks' gestation: a review of 1076 consecutive cases

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the use, efficacy and factors influencing the outcome of medical abortion at 9-13 weeks' gestation.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of consecutive women undergoing medical abortion at 9-13 weeks' gestation was done.

Results: A total of 1927 abortions were carried out at 9-13 weeks' gestation, of which 1076 (55.8%) were undertaken medically. Efficacy decreased with increasing gestation (p=.02). Surgical evacuation was carried out in 45 (4.2%) women including 10 (2.7%) at 64-70 days, 11 (3.3%) at 71-77 days, 10 (5.1%) at 78-84 days and 14 (8.0%) at 85-91 days of gestation (p=.02). Indications for surgery included continuing pregnancy [16 (1.5%) women], retained sac [5 (0.5%)], incomplete abortion [20 (1.9%)] and emergency curettage for bleeding [4 (0.4%)]. The number of misoprostol doses used and the induction-to-abortion interval both significantly increased with gestation (p<.001), while analgesia requirements did not vary with increasing gestation (p=.18).

Conclusions: Medical abortion at 9-13 weeks' gestation is an effective alternative to surgery. Medical methods should be offered routinely at these gestations, thus increasing women's choice. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.