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Vacuum aspiration — also called suction abortion, vacuum curettage, suction curettage, menstrual regulation or minisuction — is a method by which the contents of the uterus are evacuated through a plastic or metal cannula (thin tube) attached to a vacuum source.

The primary difference between the two types of vacuum aspiration is the source of the vacuum: Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)  uses a hand-held, portable aspirator, whereas electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) uses an electric pump. Although these sources provide equivalent suction at the initiation of the procedure, the level of vacuum provided by the MVA aspirator decreases as the cylinder fills with blood and tissue. An electric pump provides a continuous, constant level of suction.

According to the World Health Organization, vacuum aspiration can be used throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. With appropriate training, skills and instruments, vacuum aspiration can also be used for second-trimester uterine evacuation through the 15th week since the woman’s last menstrual period.

Both methods of vacuum aspiration are extremely safe and effective, and they have a similar, very low rate of complications.

All uterine-evacuation procedures are associated with these potential side effects: abdominal cramping, mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, pain and menstrual-like bleeding.

 


+ Bibliography
  • Forna, Fatu and A. Metin Gülmezoglu. 2002. Surgical procedures to evacuate incomplete abortion. Cochrane Review. In The Cochrane Library, Update Software.
  • Goldberg, Alisa B., Gillian Dean, Mi-Suk Kang, Sarah Youssof and Philip Darney. 2004. Manual versus electric vacuum aspiration for early first-trimester abortion: A controlled study of complication rates. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 103(1).
  • Greenslade, Forrest C., Ann H. Leonard, Janie Benson, Judith Winkler and Victoria L. Henderson. 1993. Manual vacuum aspiration: A summary of clinical and programmatic experience worldwide. Carrboro, NC, IPAS.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). 2003. Safe abortion: Technical and policy guidance for health systems. Geneva, WHO.