What clinical procedure is indicated for a septic abortion?

Gentle suction curettage is indicated for a septic abortion due to its dual role in both diagnostic and therapeutic management. When a septic abortion occurs, there is an infection associated with the retention of products of conception, which can lead to severe complications, including sepsis.

Suction curettage allows for the removal of infected tissue, helping to clear the uterine cavity of any retained products that may be contributing to the infection. This procedure not only provides immediate relief of symptoms by alleviating the source of infection but also enables sampling of uterine contents for microbiological analysis if needed. This can help in tailoring antibiotic therapy and managing the infection more effectively.

While antibiotic therapy is essential in managing the infection, it may not suffice on its own if there are retained products, indicating the need for surgical intervention. In contrast, emergency hysterectomy is reserved for cases where there is life-threatening hemorrhage or severe complications, and cervical blood cultures, although useful in some instances, do not address the immediate need to clear the uterine contents in a septic abortion situation.