Laminaria Compared to Dilapan-S for Cervical Preparation Before Dilation and Evacuation at 18-24 Weeks of Gestation

Overview

Primary objective: To study the difference in dilation and evacuation (D\&E) procedure time following overnight cervical preparation with laminaria or Dilapan-S™. The investigators hypothesize procedure time will be less with Dilapan-S™. Secondary objectives: To compare the use of laminaria and Dilapan-S™ for differences in: (1) initial cervical dilation before D\&E; (2) need for mechanical dilation to accomplish D\&E and ease of dilation if required; (3) number of osmotic dilators placed; (4) ability to complete the D\&E procedure without further cervical preparation; (5) complications; (6) pain and other side effects; (7) patient acceptability; and (8) provider acceptability.

One hundred eighty women were randomized evenly across treatment arms, stratified by gestational age groups of 18 0/7-20 6/7 (n= 91) and 21 0/7-24 0/7 (n=87). The analytic sample N=173 (laminaria=86, Dilapan=87); 2 cases were removed for post-randomization exclusion and 5 for missing data on one or more outcome variables. Demographic information and results for the primary outcome of procedure time are reported below in tabular form in the results section.

Conditions

Interventions