Here’s All That You Need To Know About The Procedure Of Dilation And Curettage

Dilation and curettage, commonly known as D&C, is a medical procedure that involves opening the cervix and removing the contents of the uterus. The procedure of Dilation And Curettage is usually performed to diagnose or treat conditions affecting the uterus such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, miscarriage, or to remove a uterine polyp. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the procedure of Dilation And Curettage.

What You Need To Know About The Procedure Of Dilation And Curettage

How is Dilation And Curettage performed?

The procedure of Dilation And Curettage is usually performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical centre. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, which means that the patient is unconscious during the procedure of D&C. In some cases, local anaesthesia may be used, which means that the patient is awake but numb in the pelvic area.

During the procedure of Dilation And Curettage, the cervix is first dilated or opened using special instruments. This allows the surgeon to insert a curette, which is a spoon-shaped instrument used to scrape the uterine lining. The surgeon may also use a suction device to remove the contents of the uterus.

The entire procedure of D&C usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. After the procedure, the patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure that there are no complications.

Why Is The Procedure Of Dilation And Curettage Performed?

D&C may be performed for a variety of reasons, including

• Diagnosis of uterine conditions: D&C may be performed to diagnose uterine conditions such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or infertility. The tissue that is removed during the procedure is sent to a laboratory for analysis, which can help to determine the cause of the condition.

• Treatment of uterine conditions: D&C may also be used to treat uterine conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine polyps, or a miscarriage. In these cases, the procedure is used to remove the contents of the uterus, which can help to alleviate symptoms.

• Removal of tissue after childbirth: In some cases, D&C may be used to remove tissue that remains in the uterus after childbirth. This is known as retained placenta or products of conception.

What Are The Risks Of Dilation And Curettage Procedure?

As with any medical procedure, the procedure of Dilation And Curettage carries some risks. These risks include:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection anytime the body is opened to the environment. Antibiotics may be given before or after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
• Bleeding: D&C can cause bleeding, which may be heavy in some cases. In rare cases, a blood transfusion may be required.
• Damage to the cervix or uterus: D&C can cause damage to the cervix or uterus, which may require additional treatment.
• Asherman’s syndrome: Asherman’s syndrome is a rare condition in which the walls of the uterus stick together. This can occur as a result of D&C, particularly if the procedure is performed multiple times.
• Anaesthesia complications: General anaesthesia carries some risks, including allergic reactions and breathing problems.

What To Expect After The Procedure Of Dilation And Curettage?

After the procedure, the patient may experience some cramping and vaginal bleeding for a few days. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage the discomfort. The patient should avoid sexual activity for at least two weeks after the procedure to allow the cervix to heal.

It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully after the procedure to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

When to call a doctor after the procedure of Dilation And Curettage?

Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms after a D&C:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Severe pain
• Fever or chills
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Difficulty urinating
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or warmth around the surgical site

The procedure of Dilation And Curettage is a common medical procedure that is used to diagnose and treat various uterine conditions. While the procedure carries some risks, it can be an effective treatment option for many patients. 

If you are experiencing symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or have been advised to undergo a D&C, it is important to talk to your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure.

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