A Factorial-Design Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Misoprostol Alone to Dilapan With Misoprostol and Comparing Buccal to Vaginal Misoprostol for Same-Day Cervical Preparation Prior to Dilation & Evacuation

The primary objective of the study is to compare the efficacy of same-day 400-mcg misoprostol alone to same-day Dilapan with 400-mcg misoprostol for cervical preparation prior to D&E at 14 0/7 to 19 6/7 weeks. Patients will first be randomized to misoprostol alone or misoprostol-Dilapan, and then separately randomized to use the misoprostol buccally or vaginally.

The primary outcome measure is total procedure time. Secondary outcomes include D&E procedure time, initial cervical dilation (measured by the largest Hegar dilator accepted without resistance prior to the start of the procedure), patient-oriented outcomes (side effects of buccal and vaginal misoprostol), and patient acceptability and satisfaction.

The investigators have chosen a randomized controlled trial with a factorial design to be conducted at Washington Hospital Center and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington. A total up to 180 English speaking women will be enrolled in the study so that 160 will be randomized and receive study interventions. The study will enroll healthy women, over the age of 18, eligible for non-urgent D&E at 14 0/7 weeks to 19 6/7 weeks, confirmed by sonogram. The women will be randomized to receive either misoprostol alone or Dilapan with misoprostol. Women will then be randomized to receive 400-mcg of misoprostol either buccally or vaginally. Computer generated randomization will be utilized to assign treatment arms. Approximately 4-6 hours prior to procedure, women will be randomly assigned to one of the following treatment combinations:

1. Misoprostol 400-mcg vaginally
2. Misoprostol 400-mcg buccally
3. Dilapan insertion with 400-mcg misoprostol vaginally
4. Dilapan insertion with 400-mcg misoprostol buccally