A Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure in which the lower part of a woman's uterus is dilated to scrap out abnormal tissues from the uterine lining.
There are two parts in a dilation and curettage procedure. First is the dilation part where your cervix is expanded or dilated. This process can be performed by your doctor to locate or visualize certain abnormalities inside your uterus. Second part involves Curettage, where a spoon like instrument called curette is used to remove abnormal tissues from the uterine lining.
Many endometrial disorders can be diagnosed and treated using a D&C Surgery. A D&C surgery may be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure for abnormal bleeding in women. This surgery helps determine the cause of abnormal or excessive uterine bleeding, to detect cancer, or to learn about infertility issues in women.
Abnormal bleeding can be caused because of abnormal tissues such as fibroid tumors, polyps, or cancerous growth in the endometrium or uterus. Tissues scraped using a curette are examined under a microscope. Sometimes, abnormal uterine bleeding can also be due to a hormone imbalance or disorder in women who are either approaching menopause or after menopause.
One type of D&C process utilizes suction to remove uterine contents. A woman who has undergone a miscarriage may require this methodology. Here, suction is used to remove fetus and other tissues, if they have not been naturally passed. If these tissues are not removed completely, they result in causing infection or heavy bleeding problem.
Occasionally, after a childbirth, small pieces of placenta may remain adhered to the endometrium and not passed. This can lead to infection or bleeding. A D&C surgery can be required to remove these tissue bodies to let the endometrium heal properly.
Recovery phase after a D&C procedure varies depending on the type of procedure performed. It also depends on the type of anesthesia used during the process. If you are administered general or regional anesthesia, you will be asked to stay back at the hospital for further observations. If your vitals are normal, you will be discharged. Your doctor will guide you with all the necessary instructions that you must keep in mind for a faster and better recovery.