A double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the use of a 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide/oxygen in pain relief during suction evacuation for the first trimester pregnancy termination.
Hum Reprod 2006;
21:2606-11. [PMID:
16790607 DOI:
10.1093/humrep/del234]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
This prospective study assessed the role of a 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen for pain relief during the termination of first trimester pregnancies by suction evacuation under conscious sedation.
METHODS
Ninety women undergoing suction evacuation up to 12 weeks of gestation were randomized by a computer-generated randomization list and allocated using sealed envelopes to receive the N2O/O2 mixture or air during the operation. Pain scores during and after suction evacuation, post-operative side effects and satisfaction level were compared.
RESULTS
No statistically significant differences in pain scores, post-operative side effects and satisfaction levels were found between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
N2O/O2 did not reduce the pain level during suction evacuation for the first trimester pregnancy termination under conscious sedation.
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