Use of misoprostol before tandem application for intracavitary brachytherapy in patients of carcinoma cervix: An institution study

Aim: To investigate the ease of tandem application and external os identification by giving sublingual misoprostol before initiation of intracavitary brachytherapy in cancer cervix patients. Materials and Methods: 36 patients with cervical cancer stage IIIB which were supposed to undergo intracavitary brachytherapy(ICBT) were randomly divided into 2 subgroups, group A patients receiving misoprostol and group B not receiving misoprostol.Misoprostol 400 mcg was given sublingually 3 hrs prior to the procedure. The efficacy of the drug was measured as per the ease of identification of os and easier tandem application and amount of bleeding during procedure. Results: Application of tandem and identification of external os was easier and amount of bleeding was also less in patients that were administered sublingual misoprostol. Conclusion: Sublingual Misoprostol given before ICBT helps in cervical ripening and thus leads to easier os recognition and central tandem application and reduce overall anaesthesia time.