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Agree toTerms and ConditionsDilation and Curettage, or D&C, is a surgical procedure performed on a woman's uterus. This procedure is usually carried out to diagnose and treat some health issues of the uterus like heavy bleeding or to clear out the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion. "Dilation" refers to the opening of the cervix, while curettage refers to the removal of the contents of the uterus with a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument. D&C can be a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Diagnostic D&C is often done to diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. It can help detect conditions such as polyps, fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or uterine cancer. Therapeutic D&C, on the other hand, is performed to treat certain uterine conditions. It can also be used to remove tissue in the uterus that may cause heavy menstrual bleeding or irregular bleeding.
Diagnostic D&C is performed to diagnose the cause of symptoms such as heavy bleeding or irregular periods. During this procedure, the cervix is dilated, and a curette is used to remove a small sample of the uterine lining to be microscopically examined. This can help in identifying conditions such as uterine polyps, fibroids, or endometrial hyperplasia.
Therapeutic D&C is performed to treat certain uterine conditions. It is commonly used to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion to prevent infection or heavy bleeding. It can also be used to remove polyps or fibroids, treat abnormal uterine bleeding, or as part of the treatment for precancerous conditions or uterine cancer.
Hysteroscopic D&C is a type of D&C procedure where a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube, is used to view the inside of the uterus during the procedure. This allows the doctor to directly see the inside of the uterus, making it easier to diagnose conditions or perform treatment. It is often used in combination with a diagnostic or therapeutic D&C. Regardless of the type, D&C is generally safe, but has some risks, like any surgical procedure. These may include infection, heavy bleeding, or damage to the uterus or cervix. Therefore, it is important to discuss these risks and any concerns you may have with your doctor before having a D&C procedure.
This procedure may be recommended if you have been experiencing unusually heavy or irregular periods. It can help to diagnose the cause and treat the symptom by removing excess uterine tissue.
If you're postmenopausal and have been experiencing vaginal bleeding, a D&C may be performed to determine the cause. This could be anything from hormonal changes to more serious conditions like endometrial cancer.
These are non-cancerous uterine growths that can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. A D&C can help in diagnosing and removing these growths.
Here, the lining of the uterus becomes too thick, which can lead to abnormal bleeding. A D&C can help diagnose this condition and remove the thickened tissue.
Sometimes, not all of the tissue is naturally expelled from the body. A D&C can be used to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.
You will be asked about your medical history with your doctor, including any medications you are currently taking, any allergies you have, and any past surgical procedures you have undergone.
A physical assessment, which may include a pelvic exam, is done to ensure you are in good health for the procedure.
Depending on your situation, your doctor may prescribe lab tests, including blood tests or an ultrasound, to get a better understanding of your condition before the procedure.
You may need to fast (no food or drink) for a certain period of time before the procedure. This is typically at least eight hours.
As you will be under the effects of anesthesia for the procedure, you will need someone who can help you safely reach home afterwards.
Before the procedure, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This form will contain details about the risks and benefits of a D&C procedure. Make sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
The doctor conducts a thorough medical examination to check the patient's health status. This identifies any potential risks or complications that could arise during the surgery.
The doctor will also take a detailed medical history. This includes information about any allergies, current medications, and past surgeries. This information helps the doctor to plan the surgery accordingly and reduce the risk of complications.
Some preoperative tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, or a pregnancy test may be performed. These tests are done to ensure the patient's body is ready for surgery and to check for any underlying conditions that might affect the surgery.
Patients are usually asked to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the surgery. This is to prevent any complications that could occur if the contents of the stomach enter the lungs during surgery.
The procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives are explained to the patient. An informed consent form is then signed to confirm the patient's understanding and agreement to proceed with the surgery.
The first step in the procedure is the administration of anesthesia. This could be general anesthesia (where the patient is asleep), or local or regional anesthesia (where the patient is awake, but the area is numbed).
The cervix is then slowly dilated using a series of progressively larger dilators. This allows the doctor to access the inside of the uterus.
Once the cervix has been dilated, the doctor will insert a curette (a thin, flexible instrument) into the uterus. This instrument is used to gently scrape the lining of the uterus and remove tissue.
The removed tissue is then sent to a lab for examination. This can help identify any abnormal cells or conditions.
The first step involves dilating the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. This is usually done with a series of progressively larger dilators to carefully open the cervix.
Once the dilation is completed, a curette, a small spoon-shaped instrument, is advanced into the uterus to remove the endometrial tissue. This can be performed either by scraping the lining, known as sharp curettage, or by using a suction curettage where the tissue is vacuumed out.
Often, a hysteroscope is used in conjunction with dilation and curettage. The hysteroscope allows the surgeon to view the uterine cavity during the procedure. This ensures more accurate and safe removal of tissue.
Following the procedure, the patient may experience some cramping and light bleeding. These symptoms are normal and should subside within a few days.
It's important for the patient to rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least a day. Sexual intercourse, tampon use, and douching should be avoided until advised otherwise by the doctor.
Follow-up visits to the doctor are crucial to ensure healing is progressing as expected and to discuss any pathology results from the tissue removed during the procedure.
As with any surgery, dilation and curettage carries some risks. These may include infection, heavy bleeding, or reaction to anesthesia.
There is also a risk of puncturing the uterus (uterine perforation) or damage to the cervix. Although these complications are rare, they can require further surgical treatment.
Repeated dilation and curettage procedures can lead to the development of scar tissue in the uterus, a condition known as Asherman's Syndrome. This can lead to menstrual problems and infertility.