ABOUT DILATION AND CURETTAGE
Dilation and curettage, also referred to as D&C, is a procedure performed to diagnosis and treat problems with the uterus. The procedure can help to diagnose uterine cancer, the cause of heavy bleeding, and is also performed as part of the process for diagnosing the cause of infertility.
In addition to be performed for diagnosis purposes, the procedure is also performed to treat uterine polyps, remove parts of the placenta which may remain in the uterus after childbirth, remove fibroid tumors, and remove tissue that may be causing bleeding or infection.
The procedure involves dilating the cervix to gain access to the uterus and clearing the uterus out by scraping the tissue out using an instrument known as a curette. The procedure is usually performed under a general anesthetic and may sometimes be performed in combination with other procedures such as hysteroscopy.
Recommended for
- Removing uterine polyps
- Removing remaining placenta after childbirth
- Diagnosing heavy bleeding
- Diagnosing pelvic pain
- Diagnosing uterine cancer
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1.
Overnight stay not required.
- Average length of stay abroad: 1 weeks.
- Number of trips abroad needed: 1.
- Time off work
A lot of women take a day off work to recover.
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BEFORE DILATION AND CURETTAGE ABROAD
The process of dilating the cervix may begin in the hours or days preceding the procedure, as it helps to open the cervix gradually. The doctor may prescribe medication to help soften the cervix, which can be taken orally or can be inserted into the vagina.
If undergoing a general anesthetic, patients are usually advised to refrain from eating and drinking in the hours preceding the surgery. It is also advisable to bring a friend or relative on the day of the surgery to help when discharged from the hospital or clinic.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
The doctor will begin by opening the vagina using a speculum to gain access to the cervix. The cervix is then dilated using rods to make space for inserting the curette. The curette is then placed into the cervix to scrape out tissue from the uterine lining. Removed tissue is likely to be examined under a microscope to help make a diagnosis.
Anesthesia
General anesthetic, local anesthetic with sedation, or local anesthetic.
Procedure duration
The Dilation and Curettage takes 15 to 30 minutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER DILATION AND CURETTAGE
Post procedure care
Afterwards, patients will usually spend a few hours in the recovery room. It is usually advised to avoid using tampons and having sexual intercourse in the days proceeding the procedure, in order to prevent an infection from occurring in the uterus.
Possible discomfort
After the procedure, patients may feel drowsy, and experience mild cramping and spotting. Some patients may feel nauseous as an effect from the anesthetic.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DILATION AND CURETTAGE
Potential risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Cramps
- Perforation of the uterus
- Scar tissue forming in the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
