Manual Vacuum Aspiration
Dr. Franklin Onyedikachi Ozor
Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.
September, 2023
Introduction
Manual vacuum aspiration is a safe and effective method of performing an abortion in the first trimester.
It can be done in a clinic setting and requires minimal anesthesia.
Compassionate Care Safe and Effective Quick Procedure
Clinicians who specialize in MVA MVA is a safe and effective The MVA procedure takes only a
provide expert and non-judgmental abortion method for the first few minutes to complete and can be
care for all patients seeking an trimester. It carries a low rate of done in an outpatient setting,
abortion. complications and is available in allowing women to return to their
many clinics. daily routines soon after.
The MVA kit
1 MTP Syringe 2 Karman Cannula
• Specially designed syringe to • Made from non-toxic plastic
apply suction during
• Smooth catheter surface,
surgical abortion procedure.
Rounded Tip
• Manufactured from
• Smooth edged eye/eyes near
polypropylene polymer.
the tip for trauma-free insertion
• Available in Single Valve and
Double Valve Syringe.
• With universal connecter for
• MTP Syringe provides High connecting to suction apparatus
Vacuum Suction during
procedure.
• Available in sizes 4mm –
12mm
Procedure
1 Preparation
An ultrasound is first used to determine the gestational age and position of the fetus. MVA is usually
performed using local anesthesia or conscious sedation. Pentazocine is used in this centre. The patient
is placed in lithotomy position for the procedure.
2 Device Placement
A clamp is applied to the upper lip of the cervix, then a sterile cannula is inserted through the cervix
into the uterus. The hand-held aspirator is turned on, creating gentle suction to remove the contents of
the uterus. A sample of the product is sent for histology.
3 Post-procedure Care
The patient is monitored for 30 minutes after the procedure. She is prescribed with painkillers and
advised to avoid sex for 1-2 weeks and refrain from tampon use for a few days.
Benefits of Manual Vacuum Aspiration
Low Risk Cost Effective Accessibility
Manual vacuum aspiration is a The cost of MVA is lower The procedure is performed in
low-risk procedure with compared to other abortion many clinics, making it more
minimal complications, which methods, making it more widely available to women in
makes it a safer method for accessible to women who have rural areas and countries with
early termination. financial constraints. limited resources.
Risks and Complications of Manual Vacuum
Aspiration
Bleeding Infection Instrument Retention
Some vaginal bleeding may occur The possibility of infection is There is a slight risk that the
after the procedure. In rare cases, minimal but post-operative cannula may be mistakenly left in
heavy bleeding may occur and monitoring is necessary. Patients the uterus. For this reason,
require an additional medical are advised to keep the area clean adequate training and supervision
consultation. and infection-free. is essential for clinicians who
perform the procedure.
Comparison to Other Abortion Methods
Medication Abortion D&C Combination Methods
Manual vacuum aspiration is more MVA is less invasive than D&C Combining MVA with other
invasive than medication abortion, and can be completed using only abortion methods may be
but has fewer side effects and can local anesthesia. Recovery is recommended for later
be performed earlier in the generally quicker and less painful. pregnancies. Clinicians will
pregnancy. determine which methods will
work best depending on the
patient's medical history and
circumstances.
Conclusion
Manual vacuum aspiration is a safe, cost-effective, and widely
available method of performing an abortion in the first trimester of
pregnancy. This procedure can be performed in a clinic setting and
offers several benefits over other abortion methods. Careful
selection and adequate training and supervision of healthcare
providers performing the procedure is essential to ensure optimal
outcomes for patients.
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