Immediate dilation of a tight or stenotic cervix by intra-procedural administration of hyoscine butylbromide: A clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Cervical dilation is indicated prior to performing various gynecological procedures. However, gynecologists are at times confronted with a stenotic or tight cervix, resistant to dilation. This can be problematic particularly when cervical ripening has not been attempted hours before the start of the procedure. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of administration of hyoscine butylbromide for cervical dilation for immediate dilation of the tight or stenotic cervix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial study, a population of 40 women, aged 20-70 yr with stenotic cervix, evidenced by resistance to pass dilator #2 through their cervical canal were compared. Cervical patency was assessed 10 min following intra-cervical canal instillation of hyoscine butylbromide. RESULTS: Cervical width of 57.5% of patients became wider, as evidenced by passage of the number 4 Hegar dilator through the cervical canal without resistance. Independent T-tests did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the two groups based on their age. Fisher Exact test revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups based on the prior route of delivery, with a more statistically significant response in patients who had vaginal deliveries. CONCLUSION: Intra-cervical canal instillation of hyoscine butylbromide is effective in immediate dilation of the tight or stenotic cervix during intra-uterine procedures.