A randomized trial comparing prostaglandin E(2) vaginal insert (Cervidil) to vaginal gel for cervical ripening before induction of labor.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of a controlled release vaginal insert (Cervidil) with hospital compounded prostaglandin E(2) vaginal gel for cervical ripening before labor induction.Methods: A prospective randomized study was performed between July 1996 and August 1997 on 200 patients undergoing cervical ripening before induction of labor. The efficacy and safety of a 12-hour controlled release 10-mg vaginal insert (Cervidil, Forest Pharmaceuticals) was compared with two 4-mg doses of prostaglandin E(2) gel.