Complete abortion

A complete abortion is where all the products of conception have been lost from the uterus (1). This is most likely before 8 weeks gestation and an ERPC may not be necessary.

After a complete abortion, bleeding gradually ceases leaving only a reddish discharge, the cervix closes and the uterus becomes smaller, firm and is non-tender.

Transvaginal ultrasound scan is a reliable method of confirming the diagnosis and has a positive predictive value of 98% (2). Ultrasound appearance of a complete abortion include - an endometrium thickness of less than 15mm and absent retained products of conception (3)

Prophylactic management includes the use of ergometrine and anti-D rhesus antibodies.

Reference:

• (1) Griebel CP et al. Management of spontaneous abortion. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72(7):1243-50
• (2) Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) 2006. The management of early pregnancy loss
• (3) Sagili H, Divers M. Modern management of miscarriage. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:2:102-108 http://onlinetog.org/cgi/content/full/9/2/102