Dilation and Curettage

What is Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a medical procedure performed in gynecology to diagnose or treat various uterine conditions. It involves dilating (opening) the cervix and scraping or suctioning the uterine lining (endometrium) to either obtain tissue samples for diagnosis or treat specific conditions. D&C is often used to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding, assess the cause of miscarriages, or remove abnormal tissue growths within the uterus.

Key Aspects of Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

• Indications: D&C is recommended for various medical reasons, including but not limited to:
  • Diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding, including heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Investigation of endometrial abnormalities, such as polyps or hyperplasia.
  • Evaluation of the cause of recurrent miscarriages.
  • Removal of retained tissue following a miscarriage.
  • Treatment of certain uterine conditions, such as endometrial hyperplasia.
• Procedure: During a D&C, the patient may be given local anesthesia with or without sedation, or in some cases, general The cervix is gently dilated to allow access to the uterine cavity. A curette (a spoon-shaped instrument) or a suction device is then used to remove or scrape the uterine lining or collect tissue samples.
• Outpatient Procedure: In most cases, D&C is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day.
• Recovery: Recovery time after a D&C is relatively short, and patients can typically resume their normal activities within a few Some light bleeding and mild cramping may occur for a brief period.

Benefits of Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

• Diagnostic Clarity: D&C provides tissue samples for accurate diagnosis of uterine conditions, helping to identify the cause of abnormal bleeding, miscarriages, or other concerns.
• Treatment of Abnormalities: D&C can be therapeutic, addressing certain uterine abnormalities or conditions by removing abnormal tissue growths or thickened endometrial lining.
• Fertility Preservation: In cases of retained tissue following miscarriage, D&C can help prevent infection and preserve fertility.