[Ultrasonic control immediately after voluntary interruption of pregnancy. Apropos of 144 cases].

This study has led to two conclusions: the first is that ultrasound examinations of the pelvis are often asked for immediately after termination of pregnancy because clinicians suspect there may be complications. On the other hand these ultrasound pictures are difficult to interpret and so often, therefore, curettage is carried out which in fact is not necessary. The authors describe a prospective study carried out on 144 cases of termination of pregnancy for which pelvic ultrasound was routinely carried out following termination of pregnancy. The results of this study show that there are several types of ultrasound pictures found immediately after termination of pregnancy; these contain some that can be considered to be reassuring and others that are doubtful. The conclusion depends on the answer to several questions: is it correct to carry out routine ultrasound immediately after termination of pregnancy and has it a real practical purpose? From this can one say that it is necessary to do an ultrasound after every termination of pregnancy? If not, are there special indications for the procedure?