Effect of Vaginal Misoprostol on Cervical Priming in Diagnostic Dilatation and Curettage

Dilatation of cervix is essential for dilatation and curettage and hysteroscopy as well. Complications encountered during the procedure are partly related to difficulties in cervical dilatation. Finding the materials which can cause cervical dilatation more easily is important. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of vaginal Misoprostol on priming the cervix before dilatation in patients who are candidate for this procedure. A randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 women who were candidated for D&C. In 30 patients (case group), 200 mg Misoprostol (one tablet) was administered in posterior fornix of vagina 4 hours before operation, whereas in other 30 patients (control group), placebo was used. Then the two groups were compared according to their need to Hagar dilatator thinner than number 5 for dilatation of cervix and the duration of dilatation and curettage. It was revealed that measures like age, parity and previous delivery methods did not show a statistically significant difference between two groups. 6 patients (20%), in the case group, and 26 (87%) in the control group needed the Hager dilatator number 5 to dilate the cervix (P<0.005) which their difference was statistically significant. The mean duration of D&C in the control group was 19±4 minute versus 12.7±2.8 minute in case group which showed a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). Vaginal misoprostol is a suitable agent for priming the cervix in order to dilate more easily before D&C.