What is the recommended intervention for incomplete abortion?

What is the recommended intervention for incomplete abortion?

• A. Dilatation and curettage
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Dilation and suction curettage
• D. Observation

Answer: (A)

Incomplete abortion means tissue from the pregnancy remains inside the uterus, which can continue to bleed and raise the risk of infection. The essential step is to evacuate the uterus so that bleeding stops and any retained products are removed. Dilatation with curettage accomplishes this by dilating the cervix and mechanically removing the tissue, giving rapid and definitive clearance. This approach is widely available, can be done quickly, and is effective in stable patients. When available, suction curettage (dilation with vacuum) is often preferred because it can reduce blood loss and shorten the procedure, but dilation and curettage remains a reliable option, especially where suction equipment isn’t accessible. Antibiotics alone do not eliminate retained tissue, and observation is inappropriate due to ongoing risk of hemorrhage and infection.

Incomplete abortion means tissue from the pregnancy remains inside the uterus, which can continue to bleed and raise the risk of infection. The essential step is to evacuate the uterus so that bleeding stops and any retained products are removed. Dilatation with curettage accomplishes this by dilating the cervix and mechanically removing the tissue, giving rapid and definitive clearance. This approach is widely available, can be done quickly, and is effective in stable patients. When available, suction curettage (dilation with vacuum) is often preferred because it can reduce blood loss and shorten the procedure, but dilation and curettage remains a reliable option, especially where suction equipment isn’t accessible. Antibiotics alone do not eliminate retained tissue, and observation is inappropriate due to ongoing risk of hemorrhage and infection.