[Somatic complications following induced abortions].

Statistics from various studies are compiled to present an overview of the somatic complications of induced abortions. These complications are divided into 2 groups, the 1st consisting of ''early'' complications that arise during the abortion or for 30 days afterwards. From 1970 to 1974, 1-9 deaths/100,000 induced abortions are registered in studies from various countries. A study from England and Wales shows that patient deaths after abdominal uterotomy are 3-9 times more numerous than vacuum and instrumental evacuation of the uterus and that abortions performed after the 12th week are 1.25-4.0 times more prevalent than during the first 12 weeks. ''Early'' complications are then divided into 2 categories, ''serious complication,'' e.g., uterine perforation, loss of blood requiring a transfusion, and ''complication'' exemplified by pyrexia. In various studies from throughout the world, ''complications'' arose in 4-25.6% of the cases and ''serious complications'' in 1.1-7.6%. In women with a somatic illness (e.g., diabetes) during an abortion, a greater percentage have complications. Patients having extirpation of the uterus, uterotomy, and sterilization, or salt water instillation had at least 3 times as many complications as those having vacuum aspiration or dilatation and curettage. The 2nd type of complication, the ''late'' complications, are permanent (e.g., sterility), or occur 30 days after the abortion (e.g., endometriosis). These complications are generally poorly documented and researched. The frequency of sterility as a ''late'' complication ranges from 1-6% in 1 study to 53% in another. There are indications that previous induced abortion can cause premature birth or spontaneous abortion, although there is contradicting evidence. These ''late'' complications are caused by cervical insufficiency caused by the induced abortion. More documentation is needed to make statements about the ''late'' complications.