This second-trimester abortion procedure is commonly referred to as a “dilation and evacuation” or “D&E.” This procedure typically requires two appointments to give the cervix time to dilate slowly and gently overnight. The procedure happens on the second day and takes about 15 minutes or less. Typically the anesthesia medications wear off within two hours and patients may return home or to their hotel. In some cases, usually after 24 weeks and depending on medical history, we may need to perform the procedure over 3 days, but this is not common.

The first day is a pre-procedure appointment. You will meet your Patient Care Guide, a specialist in patient support who will help you understand what to expect both during and after your abortion procedure, and support you through each step in the process. You will then have as much time as you’d like to meet with a nurse and physician. Both will review the procedure process and answer all of your questions. Next, the physician will do a brief ultrasound and administer medications to start the process of opening (dilating) the cervix. If needed, we may need to perform a pelvic exam to place Dilapan to help your cervix open slowly overnight. Dilapan is a sterile synthetic polymer similar to laminaria. You may have light to mild cramping overnight. We will provide you with several pain medications to keep you comfortable and to minimize the cramping.

When you return on the second day, you will receive IV medications to make you feel comfortable and relaxed and to control pain. Once you are comfortable, the physician will complete the abortion procedure, which takes about 15 minutes or less. We use ultrasound guidance for all procedures to ensure that you are safe. Afterwards, you will be able to recover in the privacy and comfort of your own patient room, where your partner, family, or friends can be with you. Typically, the anesthesia medications wear off within two hours and patients may then return home or to their hotel.

This procedure is commonly referred to as a “dilation and evacuation” or “D&E.” This procedure typically requires two appointments to give the cervix type to dilate slowly and gently overnight. In some cases, usually after 24 weeks and depending on medical history, we may need to perform the procedure over 3 days, but this is not common.