ABORTION

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of a fetus and accompanying tissue from the uterus.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Uterus; placenta; vagina (route for surgery).

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Missed or incomplete miscarriages.
• Elective termination of pregnancy. The patient should receive competent counseling before making this decision.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; narcotics; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon or obstetrician-gynecologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Pregnancy test; psychological counseling and testing; blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia by injection.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A small plastic tube is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The tube is connected to a suction apparatus.
• Gentle suction through the tube removes the uterine contents. You may feel cramps in the lower abdomen, nausea, sweating and faintness.
• The tube is removed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Perforation or infection of the uterus.
• Potential psychological problems.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--None.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 1 week for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† If you have pain, place a heating pad or hot--

water bottle on the abdomen or back. Hot baths frequently aid muscle relaxation and relieve discomfort. Repeat baths as often as they provide comfort.

• Do not have sexual relations for 1 week after surgery. > If you wish to take birth-control pills, begin taking them either on the night you return from surgery or the next day. If you prefer an IUD, diaphragm or cervical cap, the fitting can be made during your next doctor's appointment.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY---Have someone drive you home from surgery. Rest quietly there for the remainder of the day. Resume normal activities slowly the next day, if you feel able. You will probably experience light or moderate vaginal bleeding on and off for 10 to 14 days after surgery. Bed rest will reduce bleeding.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness or drainage increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience new symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.