What is done during a Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) surgery?

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From the Guidelines

During an MTP surgery, the procedure typically involves suction curettage, usually under general anesthesia, where the surgeon removes the contents of the uterus, and the patient is usually discharged the same day assuming no complications 1.

MTP Surgery Procedure

The procedure is usually short in duration, less than 30 minutes long, and is performed to manage miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or termination of pregnancy.

  • The surgeon makes an incision and uses suction to remove the contents of the uterus.
  • The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.
  • The patient is usually discharged the same day, assuming no complications.

Considerations

It is essential to note that the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased during pregnancy and postpartum, and individualized risk assessment is necessary for all women undergoing MTP surgery 1.

  • The method of termination, including the need for anesthesia, should be considered on an individual basis.
  • High-risk patients should be managed in an experienced center with on-site cardiac surgery.

Alternative Methods

Alternative methods, such as medical termination using mifepristone or prostaglandins, may be considered in some cases 1.

  • However, the choice of method depends on various factors, including gestational age, medical history, and individual patient preferences.

Conclusion is not allowed, so the answer will be ended here.

From the Research

MTP Surgery Procedure

  • MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) surgery, also known as abortion, can be performed through various methods, including surgical and medical abortion.
  • Surgical abortion methods include vacuum aspiration and dilatation and curettage (D&C) 2, 3.
  • Medical abortion methods involve the use of medications such as mifepristone and prostaglandins to induce abortion 2, 3.

Surgical Abortion Procedure

  • Vacuum aspiration involves the use of a vacuum device to remove the fetus and placenta from the uterus 2, 3.
  • Dilatation and curettage (D&C) involves the dilation of the cervix and the use of a curette to remove the fetus and placenta from the uterus 2, 3.
  • Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is a type of surgical abortion that uses a manual vacuum device to remove the fetus and placenta from the uterus 4.

Medical Abortion Procedure

  • Medical abortion involves the use of medications such as mifepristone and prostaglandins to induce abortion 2, 3.
  • Mifepristone is used to block the production of progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy, while prostaglandins are used to induce uterine contractions and expel the fetus and placenta from the uterus 2, 3.
  • The use of mifepristone and prostaglandins for medical abortion has been shown to be effective and safe, with a success rate of over 90% 2, 3.

Cervical Preparation

  • Cervical preparation is an important step in the abortion procedure, as it helps to dilate the cervix and reduce the risk of complications 5.
  • Mifepristone can be used as an adjunct to cervical preparation, helping to soften and dilate the cervix before the procedure 5.
  • Osmotic dilators, such as laminaria, can also be used to help dilate the cervix before the procedure 5.

Post-Abortion Care

  • Post-abortion care is an important aspect of abortion services, as it helps to prevent complications and promote recovery 4, 6.
  • Post-abortion contraception is also an important aspect of post-abortion care, as it helps to prevent unintended pregnancy and promote reproductive health 4.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Medical methods for first trimester abortion.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2004

Research

Medical methods for first trimester abortion.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2011

Research

Replacement of dilation and curettage/evacuation by manual vacuum aspiration and medical abortion, and the introduction of postabortion contraception in Pakistan.

International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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