Laminaria is an osmotic dilator made of seaweed that is inserted into the cervical canal. It absorbs the mucus in the uterus and swells, dilating the cervix slowly and gently overnight. The insertion of Laminaria is the beginning of the abortion procedure. The patient must return to the office for surgery on Thursday. All fees must be paid in full on Wednesday before the insertion of Laminaria.
Fees vary depending on length of pregnancy.
The patient will be awake but relatively unaware of discomfort during the procedure. The physician will perform a pelvic examination followed by the removal of the Laminaria. The contents of the uterus will be removed using a combination of vacuum aspiration, curettage and instruments. It is a 5-6 minute procedure. Patients are cared for in the recovery room by the medical staff for a minimum of one hour following the abortion.