Need for D&C

D&C may be carried out for the following reasons:

• Removal of Tissue from the Uterus: Uterine lining left behind after abortion or miscarriage and parts of the placenta that are left in the uterus after childbirth can cause an increased risk of bleeding and infection. These are removed through D&C.
• Diagnosing or Treating Irregular Uterine Bleeding: D&C can help remove abnormal tissue that causes medical conditions such as fibroids, uterine cancer, and infection. It can also be performed to remove polyps, tumors, or cysts. D&C can be carried out to extract a sample of the uterine tissue for lab analysis; this procedure is called a biopsy.

Before D&C

Talk to your doctor about your medical history. Let them know if you suspect pregnancy. Let the doctor know about the medications you are taking and any allergies that you have.

During Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Depending on the medical history and the condition behind the procedure, the doctor may suggest:

• General anesthesia: You will be unconscious throughout the procedure.
• Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia: You will feel numb from the waist down and won’t feel the procedure.
• Local Anesthesia: You will be awake, and the area around the cervix will be numbed.

Procedure

The woman will be told to lie on her back and place her legs in foot or leg rests called stirrups. The doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and holds the cervix in place with a clamp.

Dilation

The lower part of the uterus is opened to make room to insert a slender rod named laminaria into the opening and use the medicine before the procedure to soften the cervix and stretch it wider.

Curettage

The gynecologist scrapes the lining of the uterus with the help of a long, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette. The doctor can use a cannula to suction the remaining contents of the uterus. The tissue sample goes to the lab for testing. Sometimes, D&C can be performed in combination with hysteroscopy.

Recovery after D&C

Women who have been given general anesthesia may feel groggy and have nausea and vomiting. There may be mild cramping and spotting. So, you may want to wear a sanitary pad or take pain relievers to control pain.

Do not put any tampons into your vagina, and avoid sex. The period may either come early or get delayed after D&C.

Complications due to D&C

Rare complications include a damaged cervix, perforated uterus, or bladder. Rush to the doctor if you notice the following symptoms after D&C:

• Heavy bleeding or blood clots
• Abdominal tenderness
• Fever
• Pain
• Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

Sometimes, scar tissue known as adhesions may form inside the uterus, which, if not cured immediately, can cause infertility. Therefore, it is essential to report any abnormal menstrual changes after D&C.

If you are looking out for D&C, get it done with the expert hands of a gynecologist at Matrix Hospital.