Abstract

PIP: A study is presented of 500 outpatient abortions performed with paracervical anesthesia before the 12th week of pregnancy. After tests and consultation, 20 mg diazepam was given im 1 hour before the operation. A paracervical blockade was established with 5 ml Carbocainnoradrenalin 1% applied to each of the 4 quadrants. After 10 minutes the cervical canal was dilated a.m. Hegar to 1 number larger than the aspiration curette to be used. The uteral cavity was evacuated by aspiration, at 500 mm Hg vaccuum followed by a stump curette. Patients were given 1 ml Methergin iv during the evacuation, observed for up to 2 hours afterwards, and then sent home. Frequency of perforations with this procedure was .4%, reevacuation 2.0%, adnexitis 1.6%, pyrexia 1.8%, and vasovagal reaction .4%. There was no significant increase in hemoglobin level in patients. 82% of the patients found the method acceptable. The low rate of complications make the method very suitable for outpatient abortions.