Nelaton catheter versus laminaria for a safe and gradual cervical dilatation.

During the first trimester of abortion, the Nelaton catheter can be used for the gradual, safe softening and dilatation of the cervix, just as the laminaria. Based on the results obtained from more than 1000 cases, we reached the conclusion that the effectiveness of cervical softening by the Nelaton catheter is almost equal to the laminaria and its efficiency in the dilatation of the cervix is similar or slightly inferior to the laminaria. In addition, this simple device had less risks when compared to those associated with laminaria. Therefore, the Nelaton catheter appears to be as effective as the laminaria for a safe and gradual cervical dilatation.