Summary

A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Dinoprostone Slow Release Pessary (Propess) with Gel (Prostin) for induction of labour (IOL) at term. A total of 120 women requiring IOL at term with no previous uterine surgery and no contraindication to prostaglandins were included. The main outcome measures were efficacy of drug preparations, patient satisfaction and the cost-effectiveness. The secondary outcome measures noted were maternal complications during the labour, type of delivery, the neonate's Apgar scores at birth and 5 min and incidence of significant morbidities. There were insignificant differences between the two groups in induction-to-delivery interval, mode of delivery, number of women delivering within 24 h and neonatal outcomes. However, the number of vaginal examinations was significantly lower in the Propess group. Propess was found to be more cost effective compared with Prostin in view of single dose and less midwifery hours.