Surgical Termination of Pregnancy

Surgical abortion (Dilatation & Evacuation) can be done from 6 up to 13 weeks into the pregnancy and is a brief and safe procedure. It is done under general anaesthesia at Busselton Health Campus google map link . During your consultation with the doctor the process will be explained to you in detail and you are encouraged to ask as many questions as you need to.

 What is the process of a Surgical Termination?

Contact us to make an appointment with our doctor, who will see you as soon as possible.

In order to have a surgical termination, the doctor will need to check a few things:

1. Certainty of decision: counselling will be done during your GP and Choices South West Nurse at an initial triage consultation. We need to ensure that you understand the necessary procedure, that you are aware of the possible risks involved and have all the necessary information about the surgical termination of pregnancy. We can also organise further counselling if required.

2. Blood tests: it is very important we know your blood group. Please see your GP to organise this and the pregnancy hormone level.

3. Consultation: Either face to face or by Telehealth you need to have a pre-op appointment prior to surgery. An ultrasound will be performed at this appointment or on the day of surgery to ensure that the pregnancy is in the uterus and is not an ‘ectopic ‘or ‘tubal’ pregnancy. We can SCAN onsite.

4. Patient Information:

   • We will send you fasting info and where to go to on the day.

   • If your BMI is more than 35 the Anaesthetist will need to see you prior to Surgery. They will be in touch.

5. Surgery is performed at Busselton Hospital DAY SURGERY UNIT under general anaesthetic by our Choices South West Surgeon. You will need to bring someone with you that can drive you home after your surgery. Legally, you cannot drive for 24hours following a GA.

6. Aftercare. A checkup appointment 2 weeks after surgery is important to check the success of the procedure, your mood and wellbeing, and to ensure there are no complications such as excerssive bleeding, reaction to IUD or infection

On the day of surgery

You will be admitted to the day surgery unit by a theatre nurse and will have a consultation with the hospital anaesthetist who will be giving you your general anaesthetic. You will be fasted from food and fluids for at least 12 hours.   

You will then have a consultation with our Choices South West Surgeon, she will need to do an ultrasound if you haven't yet had one to determine how far along the pregnancy is.

Surgical termination of pregnancy is generally a straight forward procedure, but with all surgical procedures come risks. From about eight weeks of pregnancy, the risk of complications starts to rise but continues to be small until about 12 weeks. After 12 weeks the risks increases. The optimal time for a termination is between 6 to 8 weeks. Download this PDF about risks associated with surgical termination.

What happens during surgery?

Once you’re asleep, a speculum is inserted into the vagina so that the doctor can see your cervix. Swabs will be taken to check for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea that could possibly increase your risk of developing an infection after the operation.

The cervix is dilated under general anaesthetic until it can accommodate the suction curette. Pregnancy tissue is removed and once there is no significant bleeding you will be taken to the recovery room to be woken up from the general anaesthetic. You will be given intraoperative IV antibiotics. 

How long does it take?

The surgery will take about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll also be required to stay in recovery until you are fully awake, have visited the toilet and have had something to eat and drink.

Recovery and aftercare

You’ll need to have a friend drive you home and stay overnight, as you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours after having a general anaesthetic.

You can expect some diminishing lower abdominal cramping and diminishing
vaginal bleeding in the first few days following the procedure. Have some Panadol
or Neurofen at home in case needed.

In the event of bleeding or pain beyond expectation please ring the surgery on 9746 3300 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Follow up

It is important that you have a follow up two weeks after surgery either by your GP or with us. We can have this consultation by phone if travel is an issue.

We will confirm the procedure has been successful and that there are no complications. Its also a good idea to check in your mood and how things are going for you.​

If you’re worried about anything or your recovery isn’t what you expected, please call us immediately on the after hours number provided.

Contact us to book a confidential appointment.

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