PROCEDURAL STEPS

Cervical Preparation

1. Review patient history, EGA, US, labs, & consents (procedure, sedation, contraception).
2. Introduce yourself (and trainee or trainer), establish rapport, elicit and answer patient’s questions: “What questions do you have for me?” Reassurance and details as patient desires.
3. Complete pelvic exam if chosen cervical prep requires: perform time-out, don gloves, then provide verbal guidance to position the patient.
4. Initiate cervical preparation by either of the following:

• Place misoprostol vaginally (and/or invite patient to self-administer) or buccally. OR
• Place osmotic dilators (or foley) using ring forceps:
  • Insert speculum
  • Apply antiseptic to cervix
  • Administer paracervical block
  • Slowly place tenaculum
  • May place 1-2 synthetic osmotic dilators (Dilapan-S®) without mechanical dilation, or dilate cervix to 10-13 mm before placing multiple osmotic dilators (or foley).
  • Remove tenaculum and place 1-2 gauze sponges into the vagina abutting dilator ends to absorb secretions and maintain dilators in position
  • Remove speculum (holding gauze sponges in place with a ring forceps)
  • Replace patient’s feet on table, and re-cover their legs.

Procedural Positioning and Dilation

1. Re-introduce yourself to the patient after appropriate wait time for cervical prep, answer any new questions, assess vitals, perform time-out, and administer IV medications.
2. Appropriate (and relaxed) patient positioning (hips slightly beyond table end) will allow you to more safely visualize the cervix and maneuver instruments.
3. Perform bimanual exam, although some providers determine uterine position by US or tactile feedback with dilators instead. Exam benefits of >14 week procedures include evaluation of adequacy of dilation, cervical consistency, and uterine mobility. If performed, remove gauze sponges, osmotic dilators if using, ensuring the same count as placed.
4. Initiate intra-procedure ultrasound with abdominal probe (NAF CPGs 2022), ensuring staff are positioned in an ergonomically safe manner. An US machine with a dual monitor arm is ideal.
5. Insert speculum, evaluate, and collect screening samples as needed (STI, pap). If no bimanual performed previously, remove gauze sponges, osmotic dilators (or foley) if using, ensuring the same count as placed.
6. Apply antiseptic solution to cervix (if using).
7. Administer paracervical block. Consider adding vasopressin for less EBL at >14 wk EGA (Schulz 1985), although cost may be prohibitive.
8. Dilate cervix sequentially up to appropriate size (see chart for recommendations), while applying gentle traction to straighten cervical canal. Greater dilation allows easier instrumentation with forceps and decreases risk of uterine and cervical injury.
9. If planning uterine evacuation with aspiration only, use a large cannula (14 – 17mm), dilate up to equivalent size = weeks +/- 1mm. Note: cannula sizes >15mm necessitate use of large-bore tubing, however passage of a smaller cannula (i.e. flexible 8mm) at end of procedure can be achieved with an MVA so single tubing can be used.

Figure 6. When inserting forceps through cervix into uterus, always insert with jaws closed, shanks oriented vertically with top jaw at 12 o’clock and bottom jaw at 6 o’clock. Both jaws will be visualized on ultrasound in this orientation.

• • • Forceps handling to maximize range of motion and stability, and minimize trauma:
      • Remove thumb from forceps loop, instead using thumb to push against medial (palmar) aspect of loop (see image)
      • Minimize passes through cervix
      • Keep hinge at level of the cervix
      • Use forceps in LUS, and remain vigilant about distal tip orientation
      • If deeper insertion needed to explore fundus, use traction & follow uterine axis
      • Be cautious grasping tissue near the cervix, to avoid accidental traction with toothed forceps. Instead push tissue back into LUS and observe forceps grasp via US.
      • Continue traction with rotation to LUS, through cervix, and out until tissue is free.
      • Drop grasped fetal tissue into the basin sterilly.
      • Removal of an extremity could bring the torso into the LUS. If tissue is still connected, advance the forceps up the torso and grasp for removal.
      • Close forceps, reenter cervical canal; repeat until all fetal tissue is removed.
    • To remove calvarium, place forceps through the cervix, open, and attempt to encircle it placing serrated jaws on opposite sides; then close around it to grasp and decompress.
      • If it “floats” high in the uterus, grasp any part (with forceps or with 12-14mm cannula) and apply slow traction to move into LUS before (re)attempting decompression. Grasping it may require opening forceps wider than expected.
      • Thick, bright white fluid (neural tissue) can sometimes be seen leaking from external os after collapsing the calvarium.
    • To remove the placenta, grasp and remove with light traction +/- fundal massage while observing US to ensure no uterine wall movement concerning for myometrium entrapment in forceps. The placenta is best removed intact, and will feel thicker, softer, and bulkier than fetal tissue. Alternatively, remove the placenta with suction alone.
    • A final suction curettage using a smaller cannula (8mm-12mm;) can be used to empty the uterus of residual blood and tissue until empty. Ensure no bleeding with US prior to removal of instruments (or placement of IUD).
    • Check POC for adequacy (4 limbs, spine, calvarium, placenta) using visual inspection during evacuation, intraoperative ultrasound, and / or inspection in the lab.
    • Inform patient of complete procedure & initiate the recovery process as described in Chapter 7: Abortion Aftercare