The use of misoprostol prior to hysteroscopy in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: This study examined whether oral misoprostol exerted a cervical priming effect in postmenopausal women prior to hysteroscopy. METHOD: Thirty-seven patients were randomized to receive either oral misoprostol (400 mug) or placebo (vitamin Bg) 12 h prior to hysteroscopy. The resistance of the cervix to dilatation was objectively assessed by a cervical tonometer. RESULTS: The mean baseline cervical dilatation (4.2 mm in misoprostol group versus 4.4 mm in placebo group) was similar between the two groups. The mean cumulative force measured (27.7 N in misoprostol group versus 21.8 N in placebo group) was also comparable. None of the patients suffered from any significant side-effects. CONCLUSIONS: These data showed that there were no significant benefits from giving misoprostol pre-operatively in postmenopausal women, and it was concluded that oral misoprostol had no significant cervical priming effect in postmenopausal women.