Vacuum aspiration

Suction-aspiration abortion is a form of abortion using aspiration. In this method, the clinician (usually a physician) first uses a local anesthetic to numb the cervix. Then the clinician uses instruments called "dilators" to open the cervix, or sometimes medically induces dilation. Once that has been accomplished, a sterile cannula is inserted into the uterus and this canula is attached via tubing to either an electric pump or a specialized syringe depending on whether the procedure is electric vacuum aspiration or manual vacuum aspiration respectively. The pump or syringe then creates a gentle vacuum which is applied to the interior of the uterus. This vacuum then aspirates out the uterus and the pregnancy tissue is removed. This pregnancy tissue includes the embryo or fetus as well as the decidua, chorionic villi, amniotic fluid, amniotic membrane and other tissue. The clinician may sometimes then utilize a curette to ensure that the uterus is clean. Afterwards, the patient sits up and walks out of the room and into the recovery area where she is observed before returning home. Most abortion providers ask the patient to return in two weeks for a check-up.

Suction Aspiration is the most commonly used method of abortion in the world, especially when performed early in the pregnancy up to about 16 weeks. It is considered to be a non-invasive abortion, as surgery is not involved. Also, the 0.5% rate of infection is the lowest risk of infection out of any other surgical abortion^[1].

See also

• Manual vacuum aspiration
• Electric vacuum aspiration

References

1. ^ "Manual and vacuum aspiration for abortion". A-Z Health Guide from WebMD. Retrieved February 18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

External links

• American Women's Services
• Planned Parenthood
• Medical Illustrations of a Suction Aspiration Abortion (from Abort73.com)