What is Dilation And Curettage?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
What is the meaning of Dilation and Curettage?
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a minor surgical procedure done for the removal of tissue from the womb (uterus). This procedure involves the dilation or opening of the cervix (the opening of the uterus, where it meets the top of the vagina). Normally, the dilation of the cervix happens only during childbirth. The doctor then uses a thin instrument for scraping the uterine wall and removing the tissue (called curettage). Dilation and curettage procedure is performed for the diagnosis and treatment of certain uterine conditions like heavy bleeding, or for clearing the uterine lining after an abortion or miscarriage.
In this article, we will be discussing in detail dilation and curettage.
- What is the purpose of Dilation and Curettage?
- What is the diagnostic procedure for Dilation and Curettage?
- What is the preparation for Dilation and Curettage?
- What is the procedure of Dilation and Curettage?
- How to care after Dilation and Curettage procedure?
- What are the risks of Dilation and Curettage?
- What is the cost of Dilation and Curettage procedure in India?
What is the purpose of Dilation and Curettage?
Dilation and curettage may be done for the following reasons:
- For determining the reason for heavy bleeding during or between the menstrual periods
- For removal of the non-cancerous tumors or fibroids
- For removing and examining the potentially cancerous tumors
- For removing the tissue left behind in the womb after childbirth or miscarriage
- For removing the infected tissue that may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease known as a pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the female reproductive organs)
- For performing an elective abortion
- For removal of an intrauterine device (IUD), which is a form of birth control
( Know more about- What are the symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases? )
What is the diagnostic procedure for Dilation and Curettage?
- Physical examination: The doctor will examine the patient, and note the medical history of the patient. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant, or if you suspect that you could be pregnant.
- Pelvic exam: The doctor inserts his gloved and lubricated fingers into the vagina to check the female reproductive organs.
- Pelvic ultrasound: Sound waves are used to create images of the internal female reproductive organs.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests like CT scans and MRI scans may be used to create images of the internal organs of the body.
- It must be noted that dilation and curettage can itself be used as a diagnostic procedure to test for uterine cancer, uterine polyps (a non-cancerous growth attached to the inner wall of the womb), and unusual endometrial cells which may be discovered during routine tests for cervical cancer.
( Know more about- What are Uterine Fibroids? )
What is the preparation for Dilation and Curettage?
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbs.
- Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or you suspect a pregnancy.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything 8 hours before the procedure.
- You may be asked to stop taking blood-thinners like aspirin and warfarin a few days before the procedure.
- The doctor may give a medicine called misoprostol either orally or vaginally to soften the cervix and start its dilation a day before the procedure. A gel may also be applied to start the dilation of the cervix.
- The doctor may also use a slender rod made up of laminaria into the cervix. The laminaria expands gradually by the absorption of fluid in the cervix, leading to the opening of the cervix.
( Know more about- What is Ovarian Cancer Treatment? )
What is the procedure of Dilation and Curettage?
The procedure can be performed under epidural or spinal anesthesia (the area below the waist is numbed and the patient is awake during the procedure), or general anesthesia (the patient is put to sleep during the procedure).
- The patient lies on her back on an exam table while the heels rest in supports known as stirrups.
- The doctor may insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina.
- The doctor will then insert a series of increasingly thick rods into the cervix to dilate it slowly until it dilated enough.
- The dilation rods are then removed.
- A spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge (called a curette) or a suction device is then used for the removal of the uterine tissue.
- The removed tissue is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
( Know more about- What is Cervical Cancer Treatment? )
How to care after Dilation and Curettage procedure?
- You will most likely go home in a couple of hours after the procedure.
- It is normal to have mild cramps and pain after the procedure for a day or two.
- Light bleeding is common after the procedure. Use a menstrual pad for the same and avoid using a tampon as it could lead to infection.
- Get up and move around as soon as you can to prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs.
- You can resume your daily activities within a day or two after the procedure.
- Avoid taking a bath, having sex, douching for at least three days after the procedure.
- If the tissue reports show non-cancerous or benign growths, you may not require a follow-up. However, if the reports confirm the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells, you will be referred to a specialist for further treatment.
( Know more about- What is C-section Delivery? )
What are the risks of Dilation and Curettage?
The complications of dilation and curettage procedure are:
- A hole or perforation in the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Scar tissue formation on the uterine wall
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Cramping
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the above complications.
( Know more about- What are Female Genital Procedures? )
What is the cost of the Dilation and Curettage procedure in India?
The total cost of dilation and curettage in India can range from around INR 5,000 to INR 80,000. However, many prominent hospital doctors in India specialize in dilation and curettage. But the cost varies across different hospitals.
If you are coming from abroad, apart from the cost of dilation and curettage, there will be an additional cost of living in a hotel and the cost of local travel. After surgery, the patient is kept for one day in the hospital and seven days in the hotel for recovery. So, total cost of dilation and curettage in India may come to a total of INR 6,500 to INR 1,00,000.
We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding Dilation and Curettage through this article.
If you need more information related to dilation and curettage, then you can contact a Gynecologist.
We only aim to provide you with information through this article. We do not recommend any medicine or treatment. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.
