Dilation and curettage is a gynecology procedure that involves removal of tissues from the inside of the uterus. Most dilation and curettage surgeries are ordered for women who have had a miscarriage or abortion.
Females who face uterine disorders can call for dilation and curettage (D&C) surgery. A D&C surgery procedure involves scooping out tissues from the internal lining of your uterus. These tissue samples can be used to diagnose various abnormalities like, causes of bleeding, polyps, fibroids, and cancerous growths.
Medical instrument called speculum is used during D&C procedure. A speculum is a long, thin, flexible rod that is inserted into a woman's vagina during D&C. This instrument widens up the cervix so that the dilation process can begin. The next step includes using another surgical instrument called a curette, which looks like a spoon. This instrument is used to scrap out the tissues from the urethral lining. The collected samples are sent to the testing labs for further analysis. Reports are generated based on the these tests.
The complete dilation and curettage procedure requires about 25-30 minutes time. After undergoing this procedure, women are discharged from the surgical center within few hours. If your surgeons observes any complications or other issue in your health condition, you may need to stay longer at the hospital.
Your doctor will provide you with antibiotics to prevent infections. He/she will also prescribe some pain killers to reduce pain that you will experience post-surgery. You can experience cramps during the initial days post surgery.
Most women can continue with their normal activities within a few days. One can return to gentle activities within 24 hours. It can also bleed for some few days to two weeks. If you face any other problem post-surgery, consult your doctor immediately.