Medical Abortion vs Surgical Abortion - Know the Difference Here

Two oral medicines are given to the patient in this type of abortion. Mifepristone is given first. This medicine blocks the hormone progesterone resulting in the thinning of the uterus walls. The embryo cannot remain attached to the uterus and grow in such a condition. This medicine is to be taken in the doctor’s presence at their clinic.

 

The second drug that the patient has to take is Misoprostol. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina. Patients must take this pill 24 to 48 hours after consuming the first one. In most cases, doctors allow patients to take this medicine at home. Sometimes, the doctor may ask the patient to come to the clinic after a day to administer this drug. 

The medicine starts to take effect any time post 1 to 12 hours after taking them. Heavy bleeding will occur for around four to eight hours after consuming the drug.

 

Surgical abortion is the other option in cases where medical abortion is impossible. This procedure is done on women who have crossed ten weeks of pregnancy. If the mother is given general anaesthesia, she must stay at the hospital for a day. There are different surgical procedures to remove the embryo. Doctors finalise the procedure after analysing the age of the foetus and the mother's health. 

 

Before The Procedure

A urine test confirms the pregnancy. Doctors also check the patient's blood type. Based on the results, the patient may be given injections to prevent complications in later pregnancies. The pregnant woman must undergo an ultrasound scan to determine the foetus's age and growth. Doctors scan the medical history of the patient to find out if there are any other health issues that could be of concern. The specialist also briefs the patient about the procedure and post-operative care. 

Types of Surgical Procedures

Vacuum Aspiration - This is performed to remove embryos that are up to twelve weeks old. Doctors insert a tube into the uterus through the cervix, and the embryo and the placenta are pulled out. In some cases, the walls of the uterus are scraped after the procedure to ensure the complete removal of the foetus.

Dilation & Evacuation - Doctors use this method when the foetus is too big to be removed using vacuum aspiration. The cervix is opened more widely using "osmotic dilators" that are placed on the cervix. It is done a day before the procedure. The patient is given general anaesthesia before the surgery. Doctors use a combination of suction, forceps and curettage to remove the foetus altogether. 

Induction Abortion - This method is used up to the third trimester. Doctors administer medicines to induce labour. The placenta and embryo are expelled within two to four hours. Doctors perform a suction curettage to complete the process because the foetus is not completely removed.

Other procedures may be adopted by the doctors in case the pregnancy is in the third trimester. Such late abortions are performed only when the foetus or the mother has issues that prevent the delivery of a healthy baby.

Both medical and surgical abortions are done to terminate the pregnancy. But the procedure, risks and benefits are different in both.

Characteristics	Medical Abortion	Surgical Abortion
Surgical Technique	It is a non-invasive method	It is an invasive method
Anaesthesia	Not required	Required
Surgical Method	Medicines are given to remove the foetus from the uterus	Surgical instruments are used to remove the foetus from the womb
Hospitalization	Not required; the procedure starts at the doctor's office and continued at home	Required; the procedure is done in an operating room

 

The benefits include:

Medical Abortion

This procedure doesn't require anaesthesia and hence avoids its risks. 

Lesser risk of infection as no incision is made on the patient's body. 

This procedure is less expensive as compared to surgical abortion.

There are no chances of uterine perforation or damage. 

Surgical Abortion

It is a more effective way to end the pregnancy.

Bleeding and cramping are lesser in surgical abortion but may vary from patient to patient. 

Complications like incomplete evacuations are rare. 

It is a painless procedure as the patient is anaesthetised.

Doctors are present throughout the procedure to attend to any emergency.

Success rate is higher with this procedure.

Various risks inclide:

Medical Abortion

It is less safe and effective compared to surgical abortion as there is the risk of incomplete abortion and the need for subsequent surgery. 

It can terminate only pregnancies less than ten weeks old.

There is prolonged bleeding and cramping.

This cannot be done to remove tubal or ectopic pregnancies. 

The procedure takes longer to complete.

Risks of incomplete removal of the foetus are high.

Surgical Abortion

Patients must spend a day or two at the hospital.

It is a more expensive procedure.

Complications due to general anaesthesia are likely to occur.

The risk of perforation or damage to the uterus is higher.