Retrospective analysis of the indications, methods, and complications of pregnancy termination.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the indications and methods of termination of pregnancy (TOP) and to identify maternal complications that occur during TOP.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary center with a total of 231 patients who underwent TOP from April 2019 to March 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on gestational age at the time of TOP and the presence of complications. Group 1 consisted of patients with a gestational age of 11-22+6 weeks (n=196), while Group 2 comprised patients with a gestational age of 23-30 weeks (n=35). Additionally, the patients were categorized based on complications into those with complications (n=63) and those without complications (n=168). The TOP protocol involves misoprostol, a uterine balloon, a combination of misoprostol and balloon, or oxytocin. Procedure-related complications included the following: Rehospitalization, rest placenta, infection, uterine rupture, blood transfusion, and repeated manual vacuum curettage.

Results: The median gestational age at TOP was 18.0±3.3 weeks for women without complications and 19.5±5.1 weeks for those with complications, it was 19.5±5.1 weeks (p=0.037). In the group with complications, the combined misoprostol-balloon method was used significantly more frequently, and the rate of previous cesarean sections was higher (p<0.05). The induction time was longer in the oxytocin group (p<0.05). The misoprostol-balloon combination group had the highest rate of uterine rupture (p<0.05).

Conclusion: TOP during advanced gestation is associated with increased rates of maternal complications, such as increased transfusion, uterine rupture, and hysterotomy. Higher gestational age and previous uterine surgery are the main causes of TOP-related maternal complications.