What are the disadvantages of early surgical abortion?
Frankly, not many. This is still a surgical procedure. Operator skill and experience are very important. Additionally, the procedure is highly dependent on sonographic (the use of ultrasound) skills, examination of tissue, and adherence to a strict protocol. In the presence of a known genital tract anomaly (double uterus, double cervix, double vagina), or severe cervical stenosis (a cervix which is scarred), early medical abortions may be safer than early surgical abortions. How safe is surgical abortion? The mortality rate of first trimester abortions is approximately 1 out of a quarter-million women. This, incidentally, compares favorably with a single oral dose of penicillin, which has a fatality rate (from anaphylaxis) of 1/100,000. Infections occur in less than 1% of surgical abortions. Uterine perforation occurs in approximately 1/5000 cases. Can patients receive sedation for early surgical abortion? Yes! What happens on the day of the procedure? Patients are asked to bring the f
