Cervical ripening with prostaglandin E2 in a scarred uterus during the third trimester of pregnancy. Report of 82 cases

AIM: To study the feasibility, the results and the complications of cervical ripening using PG2 in scarred uterus in the third trimester of pregnancy. METHOD: A retrospective study of 82 cases of which 10 had ruptured membranes. The administration of 0.5 mgs of PG2 by the intracervical route after Beta-mimetic drugs by the intramuscular route. RESULTS: In 78% of the cases it was possible to improve the condition of the cervix so that labour could be induced or that it would start spontaneously. It was possible to deliver the baby vaginally in 67% of cases. There was no case of ruptured uterus. CONCLUSION: It seems possible that when there is a medical indication to induce labour to ripen the cervix using PG2 in a scarred uterus in the third trimester of pregnancy. The administration of beta-mimetic drugs for ripening and the use of tocometry to monitor labour seemed to be important precautions that have to be taken.