Medical abortion in women with large uterine fibroids: a case series

Contraception. 2016 Nov;94(5):572-574. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.07.016. Epub 2016 Jul 25.

Abstract

Women with fibroid uteri seeking surgical abortion often represent a unique challenge. When the uterine cavity is significantly enlarged or distorted making surgical evacuation difficult or impossible, we offer medical abortion using mifepristone followed by misoprostol beyond the standard 63- to 70-day gestational age cutoff that is typically recommended. This case series describes our regimen and outcomes for 6 patients from 10 to 13 weeks gestation underdoing outpatient medical abortion and 6 patients from 14 to 20 weeks gestation undergoing inpatient medical abortion. Three patients required evacuation for retained products and all others had successful medical abortions without complications.

Keywords: Abortion; Fibroid; Leiomyoma; Mifepristone; Misoprostol.

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Abortion, Induced*
  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Adult
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / complications*
  • Maryland
  • Mifepristone / administration & dosage
  • Misoprostol / administration & dosage
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Uterine Neoplasms / complications*

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents
  • Misoprostol
  • Mifepristone