Follow-up after induced abortion: current practice and evidence
Dr. Christian Fiala
Austria 
27 slide(s) – 00:17:24 – English – 2008-05-02
Judge the need for a routine follow-up visit after medical or surgical abortion
Follow-up after induced abortion: current practice and evidence
There are very few published studies on the need for a follow-up visit following an abortion, or specific requirements during such a visit. Nevertheless, all clinical guidelines strongly advise scheduling patients for a follow-up visit after an abortion, regardless of the abortion method used. At the same time, most guidelines do not specify why a follow-up should be done, nor do they recommend the diagnostic tool that should be used. Also missing are specific recommendations for various diagnostic instruments and how to avoid pitfalls, like persistent hCG levels or high endometrium at ultrasound examination.
An evidence-based recommendation is suggested depending on the method used: for surgical abortion, an ultrasound examination immediately at the end of the procedure is suggested. No further examination nor follow-up is needed if the uterine cavity shows empty at this point.
Following medical abortion, either hCG or ultrasound is recommended depending on the availability and the gestational age. However, there is no need for a follow-up visit for patients who had a verified expulsion following prostaglandin intake.
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