Complications of Surgical AbortionDIEDRICH, JUSTIN MD; STEINAUER, JODY MD, MASClinical Obstetrics and Gynecology: June 2009 - Volume 52 - Issue 2 - p 205-212 doi: 10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181a2b756 Pregnancy Termination Abstract Author Information Surgical abortion is one of the most common procedures performed in reproductive-aged women and when performed by a skilled provider in the appropriate setting, it is one of the safest surgeries. Though the risk of complications is low, it increases exponentially with gestational age. Factors increasing risk of morbidity may be demographic, such as increasing patient age; medical, such as prior cesarean delivery; and procedural, such as inadequate dilation. This chapter will provide information on how to recognize factors that increase risk, steps to minimize risk, and to identify and manage complications promptly. Bixby Center for Reproductive Health and Policy, and San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California Funding Disclosures: None. Correspondence: Jody Steinauer, MD, MAS, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco General Hospital Ward 6D-14, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA. E-mail: steinauerj@obgyn.ucsf.edu © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
