Ultrasound in the management of elective abortion.

Abstract

Diagnostic ultrasound has an important place to play in aiding the obstetrician who has an abortion practice. It is most useful in accurately dating the time of conception. Based on sonographic dating, an abortion may be possible in patients with multiple pregnancy or in whom there is a mass in addition to pregnancy. The performance of a saline or urea abortion is made easier since the precise site of the uterus can be mapped out. Once an abortion has commenced, the presence or absence of retained products can be easily verified by ultrasound.