Christopher K. Quinsey, MD is an OBGYN providing compassionate, thorough and attentive care for women and their health care needs in Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Spings, Orlando, and throughout Volusia county.
What is dilation and curettage (D&C)?
D&C is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is opened (dilated) and a thin instrument is inserted into the uterus. This instrument is used to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus (curettage).
Why is a D&C done?
D&C is used to diagnose and treat many conditions that affect the uterus, such as abnormal bleeding. A D&C also may be done after a miscarriage. A sample of tissue from inside the uterus can be viewed under a microscope to tell whether any cells are abnormal. A D&C may be done with other procedures, such as hysteroscopy, in which a slender device is used to view the inside of the uterus.
Where is a D&C done?
A D&C can be done in a health care provider’s office, a surgery center, or a hospital.
What preparation is needed for a D&C?
Your health care provider may want to start dilating your cervix before surgery using laminaria. This is a slender rod of natural or synthetic material that is inserted into the cervix. It is left in place for several hours. The rod absorbs fluid from the cervix and expands. This causes the cervix to open. Medication also may be used to soften the cervix, making it easier to dilate. You also may receive some type of anesthesia before or during your D&C.
What happens during the procedure?
During the procedure, you will lie on your back and your legs will be placed in stirrups. A speculum will be inserted into your vagina. The cervix will be held in place with a special instrument.
The cervix will then be slowly dilated. This is done by inserting a series of slender rods that become progressively larger through the cervical opening. Usually only a small amount of dilation is needed (less than one half inch in diameter).
Tissue lining the uterus will be removed, either with an instrument called a curette or with suction. In most cases, the tissue will be sent to a laboratory for examination.
What are the risks of D&C?
Complications include bleeding, infection, or perforation of the uterus (when the tip of an instrument passes through the wall of the uterus). Problems related to the anesthesia used also can occur. These complications are rare.
In rare cases, after a D&C has been performed after a miscarriage, bands of scar tissue, or adhesions, may form inside the uterus. This is called Asherman syndrome. These adhesions may cause infertility and changes in menstrual flow. Asherman syndrome often can be treated successfully with surgery.
What should I expect after surgery?
After the procedure, you probably will be able to go home within a few hours. You will need someone to take you home. You should be able to resume most of your regular activities in 1 or 2 days. Pain after a D&C usually is mild. You may have spotting or light bleeding.
Is there anything I should watch out for or not do right after my D&C?
You should contact your health provider if you have any of the following:
Heavy bleeding from the vagina
Fever
Pain in the abdomen
Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
After a D&C, a new lining will build up in the uterus. Your next menstrual period may not occur at the regular time. It may be early or late.
Until your cervix returns to its normal size, bacteria from the vagina can enter the uterus and cause infection. It is important not to put anything into your vagina after the procedure. Ask your health care provider when you can have sex or use tampons again.
Glossary
Adhesions: Scarring that binds together the surfaces of tissues.
Anesthesia: Relief of pain by loss of sensation.
Cells: The smallest units of a structure in the body; the building blocks for all parts of the body.
Cervix: The opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina.
Hysteroscopy: A procedure in which a device called a hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix and vagina into the uterus. The hysteroscope is used to view the inside of the uterus or perform surgery.
Laminaria: A slender rod made of natural or synthetic material that expands when it absorbs water; it is inserted into the opening of the cervix to widen it.
Miscarriage: Early pregnancy loss.
Speculum: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina.
Uterus: A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.