Possible complications during or following surgical abortion
Early termination of pregnancy is a minor surgical procedure. However, as with all operations, complications can & do sometimes occur. Approx 5% of women having an abortion will subsequently need some medical attention; occasionally they will require admission to hospital for treatment. The statistics quoted are universal figures.
Complications that can possibly occur during the procedure
Perforation of uterus: (which can involve other organs). This occurs when a small tear or hole is made in the wall of the uterus. It usually involves transfer to a general hospital, overnight stay, a scan & laparoscopy may also be needed. In very extreme cases the uterus may have to be removed.
Tear to the cervix: Occasionally the cervix can be fragile & tear. It often heals itself but sometimes a stitch is required. This does not usually involve transfer to hospital.
Excessive bleeding: This can occur during the operation or afterwards. The uterus may fail to contract and heavy bleeding occurs, or the cervix closes suddenly & the uterus fills with blood. This can usually be treated here at the clinic. If severe haemorrhage ever occurred and a blood transfusion was required, it would involve being transferred to a general hospital for an over night stay.
As some of the above complications can include overnight stay in hospital, it is important you have back up plans in place for child - care etc., in the event of not being able to return home the same day.
Complications that could possibly occur after leaving the clinic
Retained products of conception: A small amount of pregnancy tissue, often placenta, stays attached to the uterine wall, or a clot of blood forms. This occurs in approx 2% of abortions. Usually several days following the operation it causes heavy bleeding &/or pain. Sometimes the uterus cramping expels the tissue or clot; sometimes admission to hospital for a repeat D&C is required.
Infection of the uterus: Follows approx 2% of abortions & is usually easy to identify and easily treated with antibiotics, if attended to early by your referring doctor. Please follow your after care instructions carefully to help avoid introduction of infection.
Fatalities: The universal stated chance of dying from a legal abortion is 1 in 250,000. To our knowledge there has never been an incidence of this happening in N.Z.
Continuation of pregnancy: A rare complication that can be detected by always attending post operative check up, two weeks after the abortion, or earlier if pregnancy symptoms persist longer than a few days.
Failure to get pregnant again: Following any pregnancy, 1 in 100 women fails to get pregnant again. This occurs whether the pregnancy results in giving birth, natural miscarriage, or surgical abortion.
Amenorrhoea: Absence, delay or lateness of monthly period can follow an abortion; it is wise to check with your doctor to ensure your chosen method of contraception is not at fault, that you are still not pregnant or that you are not pregnant again.
Miscarriage: There is some reported evidence that suggest that there may be an increased risk of premature birth or miscarriage following abortion, particularly in women who have several or late abortions.
Extreme emotional Response: All women experience some emotional response to their abortion, be it relief, sadness or a mixture of both, it is as individual as the woman herself. Occasionally though, an extreme and sometimes unexpected response can occur, & the woman feels unable to work through the issues herself. You can guard against this by treating your emotional well being as every bit as important as your physical, and by attending your post operative check - up in two weeks time. Anytime after your abortion your doctor or the clinic can arrange follow up counselling to assist your emotional recovery
Note
These complications are only possibilities, but it is important that you are aware & understand them before signing your consent for the abortion to proceed. Our doctors will give you the opportunity to ask and answer any questions you may have.
Here at AMAC we take great care to ensure that complications are minimal but despite our best efforts they can & do sometimes occur. In the unlikely event of a serious complication there is little recompense we can offer, except to assure you that there are procedures in place for your care & safety.
Patients who are non-residents of New Zealand should note that any costs involved in treating complications are not included in the procedure fee paid to AMAC Ltd and all costs incurred as a result of complications are the financial responsibility of the patient. Like most Countries healthcare is not free to non-residents. Visitors to New Zealand can protect against medical fees by taking out medical Insurance.
(Updated October 2004 )