Sequential use of Foley catheter with misoprostol for second trimester pregnancy termination in women with and without caesarean scars: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of misoprostol and Foley catheter in second trimester termination in women with and without caesarean section (CS) scars.

Materials and methods: Women with an indication for pregnancy termination between 14 and 22 completed weeks of gestation were included to the study. Enrolled women were allocated into three groups: (1) women with no history of CS, (2) women with one CS and (3) women with ≥2 CS. Study consisted 337 patients (233 group 1, 88 group 2 and 16 group 3). Misoprostol and Foley catheter were used sequentially. The primary outcome was the induction to abortion interval. Secondary outcomes were the successful vaginal abortion rate, the percentage of abortions in 24 h and the rates of surgical removal of the placenta, Foley catheter use and major maternal complications (transfusions, thromboembolic events, uterine rupture and death).

Results: Demographic characteristics were comparable. All study outcomes were statistically similar among groups. There was no major maternal complication among all patients.

Conclusions: Sequential use of misoprostol and Foley catheter is safe and effective in second trimester pregnancy termination for patients with and without CS scars.

Keywords:

• Medical abortion
• Foley catheter
• misoprostol
• uterine rupture
• uterine scar

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.