Aspiration Abortion:

A vacuum aspiration abortion is a surgical procedure, also called suction aspiration, suction abortion, vacuum curettage, vacuum abortion, suction curettage, uterine aspiration, suction D&C, and what is commonly referred to when speaking of a first trimester surgical abortion. Usually done at an abortion clinic or a hospital, a vacuum aspiration abortion are commonly performed between 6 and 12 weeks from the first day of the last period, though some doctors perform the procedure up to the 14th week.

Procedure

After a pregnancy test is given, a pelvic exam and perhaps an ultrasound is performed. Once the pregnancy has been confirmed, Misoprostol may be given to help the cervix dilate, and oxytocin may be given to make the uterus contract. The doctor then inserts a speculum into the vagina and clamps it open so the cervix is in plain view.

The doctor then inserts cervical dilators into the opening of the cervix. Once dilated, the doctor then inserts a plastic tube with a pointed tip, called a cannula, into the uterus and using suction from a machine, rubs the surface of the uterus to dislodge the placenta and the sac that contains the baby. The lining of your uterus, the placenta, and the baby will be pulled apart and suctioned into the tube and collected in a glass bottle attached to the machine. The process takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

The doctor then examines the contents of the bottle on a tray to be sure that everything has been removed. If something is missing, the doctor may continue suctioning or switch to a tool called a curette, which is a thin metal rod with a sharp loop at the end, to sweep around the surface of the uterus a few times. Once the doctor has determined that everything has been removed, the uterus is then inspected for firmness and size.

Once the abortion is complete, patients are usually sent home in about an hour. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended for discomfort and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Patients may experience cramping for the rest of the day and possibly for 2 to 3 days following the abortion. In addition, patients often continue to bleed or spot for the next 2 weeks off and on.

Patients can usually return to normal activities the next day. A follow-up exam is normally scheduled approximately 14 days after the abortion to confirm the abortion was completed and there are no complications. An ultrasound or a pelvic examination, as well as blood work, is usually done to verify everything was removed.

Side Effects and Complications

Possible side effects are common and normal, and consist of abdominal cramping, pain, nausea, sweating, and feeling faint during the procedure, cramping and pain for 2-3 days following the procedure, as well as bleeding for up to 2 weeks. True complications occur in approximately 1-2% of vacuum aspirations.

Complications can include: allergic reactions to anesthesia or other medications, bacterial infection, hematometra (a uterine blood clot), heavy bleeding, which may require medication, a repeat abortion, surgery, and/or transfusion, a cut or torn cervix, a perforated (punctured) uterus, scarring of the uterus, an incomplete abortion, emotional or psychological distress, or even death.

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