MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Molar tissues are removed by vacuum aspiration. Intravenous oxytocin is usually administered to
contract the uterus after the vacuum aspiration. It is important to note that oxytocin should not be
administered prior to vacuum aspiration to avoid tissue being forced into venous circulation and
subsequent embolization (Murray et al., 2013). Gentle curettage, or scraping of the uterus, is
performed to ensure that the uterus is emptied of all affected tissue.
Patients are followed for one year after removal of a molar pregnancy to detect choriocarcinoma,
or cancer associated with GTD. If serum hCG levels do not return to pre-pregnancy levels, there
is a possibility that choriocarcinoma may be present and further investigation is necessary.
Therefore, it is essential that patients understand the need for follow-up.