Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated to clean the uterus after an abortion. Reasons for dilation, who it is performed for, risks, and procedure steps in Turkey.
What is dilation and curettage?
D&C is a minor surgical procedure to remove tissue from the uterus. This surgery is performed by an obstetrician or gynecologist in his or her clinic or surgery center. It is usually performed outpatient, so patients can go home the same day.
Dilation and curettage is named after the steps involved in the procedure, which include:
- Dilation: The cervix is dilated or opened. The cervix dilates naturally only during childbirth.
- Curettage: The surgeon uses this thin instrument to scrape and scrape the lining of the uterus and remove tissue.
Who is a D&C for?
You may need a D&C if you have:
- An abortion.
- Remaining tissue in your uterus after an abortion. That is, to clean the uterus after an abortion.
- Unexplained bleeding between periods.
Sometimes, you may need a D&C and hysteroscopy together. A device is inserted into your cervix to see the lining of your uterus. They may do both if they need to diagnose a specific problem.
Preparing for a dilation and curettage procedure
Before starting a D&C procedure, your doctor may dilate your cervix using a special wand (laminaria) from time to time. This thin rod is inserted into your cervix and left for several hours. You can walk around while the laminaria is in your cervix. The laminaria absorbs fluid from your cervix. When this happens, the cervix opens and allows easy access to your uterus.
What are the steps of a dilation and curettage procedure in Turkey?
Before a D&C procedure, your doctor will give you medication to make you comfortable. The procedure may be done under general anesthesia, or your doctor may give you medicine to relax and calm you, but you remain awake for the procedure.
During the procedure, you will lie on a table with your feet in a special place, as in a gynecological exam. The steps are as follows:
- A speculum is inserted. This smooth, duck-billed device helps open the cervix.
- A clamp is used to hold the cervix in place.
- Confirm that the cervix is dilated enough, using a series of rods to slowly open it.
- A curette, a suction or scraping device, helps clean tissue from the uterus.
- A sample of tissue is sent to a lab for analysis.
How long does a dilation and curettage take?
It takes about five to ten minutes, but it can be longer. After the curettage, you will need to wait in the recovery room for a few hours before going home.
Is a dilation and curettage painful?
You may feel cramps similar to menstrual cramps. Pain relievers can ease the cramps.
What are the benefits of a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure?
A D&C procedure can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your abnormal bleeding. It can also help detect abnormal cells in the lining of your uterus, which may be a sign of uterine cancer. After a D&C, your doctor sends a sample of the cells to a lab where pathologists can determine whether you have normal or abnormal tissue, polyps, or cancer.
A D&C procedure after an abortion is necessary to clean your uterus to prevent heavy bleeding and infection.
What are the risks of a D&C procedure?
A D&C procedure is a safe, routine procedure. But like any surgery, it does have some risks. Complications of a D&C procedure include:
- A uterine perforation (a small tear in the uterus) occurs if the tip of the curette goes through the uterine wall.
- Uterine infection.
- Uterine bleeding.
In rare cases, if you have an aggressive D&C after an abortion, you may develop Asherman’s syndrome. This syndrome occurs when adhesions form in the uterus. In Asherman’s syndrome, scar tissue builds up between the walls of the uterus. The walls then stick together, causing infertility and obstructing menstrual blood flow. But doctors can usually break up the adhesions with surgery.
Read about: Uterine prolapse: Discover the causes, effective treatments, and prevention.
When should you call your doctor after a dilation and curettage?
Complications from a dilation and curettage can be treated when they are diagnosed early. If you notice symptoms after a dilation and curettage, call your doctor so they can diagnose and treat the problem. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Fever.
- Heavy bleeding.
- Severe cramping.
- Unusual or foul-smelling discharge.
What happens after a dilation and curettage?
You will need someone to drive you home after your dilation and curettage. You can usually go home within a few hours of the procedure. You may have mild pain or light bleeding for a few days. Use pads, not tampons, for bleeding. You should be able to return to your usual activities within a week. You should see your doctor about a week or two after the procedure.
Will a dilation and curettage affect your period?
After a D&C, your next period may be early or late. You will need to avoid using tampons or having sex for a while. Until your cervix returns to its normal closed state, it is at greater risk of bacteria entering your vagina and causing inflammation and infection. Your doctor will tell you when you can resume having sex and using tampons.
If I have had an abortion, do I need a D&C?
About half of women who have an abortion do not need a D&C. If the abortion occurs before ten weeks of pregnancy, it will likely go away on its own and cause no problems. After ten weeks of pregnancy, there is a greater risk of an incomplete abortion. In this case, you may need a D&C to make sure the uterus is cleaned and the contents of the pregnancy are removed. Talk to your doctor to decide what is right for you.
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Sources:
Johns Hopkins Medicine
