Your uterus is the main child bearing reproductive organ of your female body. And the uterus is normally what carries the foetus in pregnancy till childbirth. There are two parts of the uterus, the upper part called the body and the lower part extending into vagina called the cervix.
What is dilation and curettage surgery (D&C) ?
A dilation and curettage surgery or D&C is a surgery in which the cervix is widened (dilated) and a narrow instrument is inserted into the uterus. This instrument then removes the tissue from the inner lining of the uterus (also called as curettage).
Why is a dilation and curettage surgery done ?
Dilation and curettage surgery is used to diagnose and treat many conditions that affect the uterus, such as abnormal bleeding and can be done even post a miscarriage. If the biopsy sample is inadequate, or if it is hard to tell if the patient has cancer, a dilation and curettage surgery has to be performed. The patient’s cervix is opened or dilated and a particular curettage instrument removes tissue from the uterus. This is done in the operating room, when patient is under general anesthesia. The tissue obtained from inside the uterus will then be studied under a microscope to diagnose the nature of cells (normal/abnormal). A dilation and curettage surgery can be combined with other procedures, like hysteroscopy, in which a slim device is used to view the inner cavity of the uterus.
What preparation is needed for a dilation and curettage surgery ?
Your health care provider will dilate your cervix before surgery. You also may be given either some anesthesia before or through your dilation and curettage surgery.
What happens during the dilation and curettage surgery ?
During the procedure, you will have to lie on your back and your legs will be placed up in stirrups. After which, a speculum will be inserted into your vagina. Then the cervix will be fixed with a special instrument. The cervix will then be progressively dilated. This is done by putting a series of slender rods that become slowly larger into the cervical opening. Once this is achieved, tissue lining the uterus will be removed, either with a curetting
instrument or with suction. Usually, the tissue will be sent to a lab for examination.
What are the risks of dilation and curettage surgery ?
Problems related to the procedure might be bleeding, infection, or rarely, perforation of the uterus (when the tip of an instrument makes a hole in the uterine wall). Even problems caused by anaesthesia also can occur. Both complications are rare.
What should I expect after the dilation and curettage surgery ?
Post the procedure, you should be able to go home within a few hours. You will need someone to take you to your residence. You should be able to recommence most of your regular activities in 1 or 2 days. Pain might occur after a dilation and curettage surgery and is usually mild. You may also have spotting or light bleeding.
Is there anything I should watch out for after my dilation and curettage surgery ?
You need to watch out for the following.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Fever
- Pain abdomen
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Your next menstrual period may be a little irregular, after the dilation and curettage surgery. Till your cervix is restored to its usual size, bacteria from the vagina can come into the uterus and cause infection. It is important not to insert anything into your vagina for a while after the dilation and curettage surgery. It is best to ask your health care provider when you can have sex or use tampons again.
How to find gynecologists for dilation and curettage procedure ?
Now you can find gynecologists for dilation and curettage procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from gynecologists, get cost estimates for dilation and curettage surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for dilation and curettage surgery.
Find and choose a gynecologist for dilation and curettage procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.