Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in the management of first trimester pregnancy loss.

BACKGROUND: Manual vacuum aspiration is not widely used for the evacuation of retained products of conception in western Europe despite its well-proven success and safety record. Nor is there much information about its use under intravenous (systemic) analgesia or patient-controlled anaesthesia in modern settings.

AIM: To evaluate the use of manual vacuum aspiration for the evacuation of retained products of conception under systemic analgesia or patient-controlled anaesthesia in the management of first trimester miscarriages.

METHODS: Fifty-eight women with a diagnosis of first trimester miscarriage (42 missed and 16 incomplete miscarriages) were treated with manual vacuum aspiration under systemic analgesia or patient-controlled anaesthesia. Success rates and patient satisfaction and acceptability were recorded.

RESULTS: Of the 58 women recruited, 42 underwent the procedure under systemic analgesia and 15 under patient-controlled sedation while 1 woman opted for general anaesthesia. Successful evacuation was achieved in all cases. Both analgesic methods were associated with high levels of patient satisfaction and acceptability.

CONCLUSIONS: Manual vacuum aspiration is an option in the management of all first trimester pregnancy losses. Comparisons with other treatment options are indicated.