Dilation is a procedure to open and widen the cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the uterus.
Curettage is the removal of the lining of the uterus by scraping. The lining is known as the endometrium.
The two procedures are done together and are often referred to as a D&C.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a D&C, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Talk to your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Up to one week before the surgery, you may be asked to stop taking some medicines, such as:
Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
General or local anesthesia may be used. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep. Local anesthesia will numb the area, but you will be awake.
A pelvic exam will be done to find out the size and location of your uterus. The vagina and cervix will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A speculum will be placed in your vagina. An instrument called a cervical dilator is placed into the cervical canal. Once the cervical canal is slightly open, a scoop-shaped instrument, called a curette, will be inserted into the uterus. It will be used to scrape the uterine lining and remove tissue through the vagina. After sampling the endometrium, the instrument will be removed from the cervix.
The tissue is taken to a lab for examination.
About 10 minutes
General anesthesia will prevent pain during the D&C. With local anesthetic, most report feeling some cramping and back pain. It may last for a day after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medicines or a mild prescription drug are all that is usually needed to relieve minor discomfort.
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area. After a short period of time, you can leave. Have someone assist you in getting home.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
It generally takes a few days for your doctor to receive the lab report. At your follow-up visit, your doctor will make recommendations for any additional treatment.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
Womenshealth.gov
http://www.womenshealth.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
American College of Emergency Physicians website. Available at: http://www.acep.org/webportal . Accessed October 14, 2005.
D&C for uterine bleeding. American College of Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/dncbleed.pdf . Accessed July 28, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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