Safety of late second-trimester pregnancy termination by laminaria dilatation and evacuation in patients with previous multiple cesarean sections.

Objective: To assess whether there is an increased perioperative risk in termination of late second-trimester pregnancy after multiple cesarean sections by laminaria dilatation and evacuation.

Study Design: During the period between January 2002 and June 2008, 636 consecutive patients underwent late second-trimester (17-24 weeks) pregnancy terminations by dilatation and evacuation. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups: those with no previous cesarean section (n = 545), those with 1 previous cesarean section (n = 59), and those with several previous cesarean sections (n = 32).

Results: There were no significant differences in major perioperative complications, such as anesthetic complications, need for blood transfusion, and cervical lacerations comparing the 3 subgroups. Importantly, there were neither cases of uterine perforation nor retained products of conception in the 3 subgroups.

Conclusion: Late second-trimester pregnancy termination after multiple cesarean sections by laminaria dilatation and evacuation is probably not associated with an increased perioperative risk. Larger studies are needed to empower this study.