[Induction of labor by prostaglandin F 2 alpha in the treatment of hydatidiform mole]

Labour was induced by intravenous infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) in 12 patients with hydatidiform mole. After a mean infusion time of 15 h 51 min and a mean dosage of 25,1 mg PGF2alpha, the infusion of 5 to 40 mug PGF2alpha/min led to 1 to 3 cm dilatation of the cervix. In this way, it was possible to perform a mild evacuation of the molar tissue with vacuum curette or fixation forceps and curette. Under continued PG-infusion the uterus was contracted in the time of evacuation of hydatidiform mole. At present the preoperative dilatation of the cervix by means of PG-induced labour and vacuum curettage is the method of choice in the management of hydatidiform mole because of its effectiveness and few undesirable side effects.