Is oxytocin given during surgical termination of first trimester pregnancy useful? A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the impact of 5 IU (international units) of oxytocin administered during surgical termination of first-trimester pregnancy compared to no oxytocin, on postoperative bleeding, pain and nausea.

Design: A randomized controlled single-blinded study.

Setting: A Norwegian community hospital with 1,064 consecutive legal abortions in the 20 months of study period.

Sample: A total of 378 women undergoing surgical termination of first-trimester pregnancy and willing to participate in the study.

Methods: Women were randomized into two groups: Group 1, receiving a standard procedure of 5 IU of oxytocin during the surgical procedure, or Group 2, receiving no oxytocic agent. All women had preoperative misoprostol.

Main outcome measures: Vaginal bleeding, pain and nausea recorded by weighing pads immediately after the surgical procedure and counting pads during the three following days.

Results: No significant differences between the two groups could be demonstrated with regard to the recorded postoperative blood loss, pain and nausea.

Conclusions: The standard routine of administering oxytocin during surgical termination of first-trimester pregnancy should be revised.