Second trimester termination of pregnancy: a review by site and procedure type.

Background: We hypothesized that complications for second trimester terminations are higher in a low-volume residency training program than in a high-volume private practice.

Study Design: Complications and cost were compared between three groups undergoing second trimester terminations: patients undergoing dilation and evacuation (D&E) at a university hospital (Hospital D&E, n=83) or medical pregnancy termination at a university hospital (Hospital Induction, n=89) and D&E at a private outpatient facility (Clinic D&E, n=253).

Results: Major complications occurred in 11% of the Hospital D&E, 10% of the Hospital Induction, and 1% of the Clinic D&E patients (p=.