A dilation and evacuation (D&E) at 10 weeks estimated gestational age is performed. She has persistent bleeding and cramping after expulsion of tissue. The obstetric condition is called

A dilation and evacuation (D&E) at 10 weeks estimated gestational age is performed. She has persistent bleeding and cramping after expulsion of tissue. The obstetric condition is called

• A. A threatened abortion
• B. An inevitable abortion
• C. A complete abortion
• D. Incomplete abortion

Answer: (D)

In this scenario, the key idea is what happens to the products of conception after an abortion attempt. If all products are expelled, the situation is a complete abortion. If bleeding continues with the cervix dilated and the products not yet expelled, it’s an inevitable abortion. If tissue has begun to pass but some remains in the uterus, causing ongoing cramping and bleeding, that is an incomplete abortion. Here, after a D&E at 10 weeks, tissue has been expelled but bleeding and cramping persist, indicating retained products of conception in the uterus. This is characteristic of an incomplete abortion, which often necessitates additional evacuation to remove the remaining tissue.

In this scenario, the key idea is what happens to the products of conception after an abortion attempt. If all products are expelled, the situation is a complete abortion. If bleeding continues with the cervix dilated and the products not yet expelled, it’s an inevitable abortion. If tissue has begun to pass but some remains in the uterus, causing ongoing cramping and bleeding, that is an incomplete abortion. Here, after a D&E at 10 weeks, tissue has been expelled but bleeding and cramping persist, indicating retained products of conception in the uterus. This is characteristic of an incomplete abortion, which often necessitates additional evacuation to remove the remaining tissue.