Dilation and curettage (D&C) is
a procedure to remove tissue from inside your uterus
. Doctors perform dilation and curettage to diagnose and treat certain uterine conditions — such as heavy bleeding — or to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion.
Is a D&C same as an abortion?
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a
surgical procedure used to remove any remaining tissue from the uterus after a miscarriage or abortion
. 1 During the procedure, a spoon-shaped device called a curette is used to gently scrape the lining of the uterine wall. Suction can also be used to aid the process.
What is a curettage procedure?
(Dilatation and Curettage, D&C) A dilation and curettage procedure, also called a D&C, is
a surgical procedure in which the cervix (lower, narrow part of the uterus) is dilated (expanded) so that the uterine lining (endometrium) can be scraped with a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) to remove abnormal tissues
.
Does curettage affect pregnancy?
Some studies have suggested that dilation and curettage
may predispose to negative future pregnancy outcomes
, including higher rates of spontaneous abortion, incompetent cervix, preterm labor, preterm rupture of membranes, early neonatal death, and ectopic pregnancy (4).
What is evacuation and curettage?
Dilation and curettage with suction is
a procedure in which contents from the inside of the uterus are evacuated
. “Dilation” refers to the opening of the cervix. “Curettage” refers to the aspiration or removal of tissue within the uterus with an instrument called a curette.
How long do you stay in the hospital after a D&C?
What to Expect When Having a D&C. You can have a D&C in your doctor’s office, an outpatient clinic, or the hospital. It usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes, but you may stay in the office, clinic, or hospital for
up to five hours
.
How many days rest after D&C?
Post-D&C recovery time for a D&C procedure varies per patient but it’s typical to rest for
2-3 days
after your D&C surgery. You should be able to resume your normal activities after your rest period. You may also be instructed to take off a full week if pain and discomfort is keeping you from your normal activities.
How painful is D&C abortion?
The procedure shouldn’t be painful
. However, you may experience some cramping during the procedure. Your doctor may order some type of sedative for you to take beforehand so that you’ll be more relaxed.
How long can a dead fetus stay in the womb?
In the case of fetal demise, a dead fetus that has been in the uterus for
4 weeks
can cause changes in the body’s clotting system. These changes can put a woman at a much higher chance of significant bleeding if she waits for a long time after the fetal demise to deliver the pregnancy.
Are you intubated for a D&C?
Are you awake during a D&C?
Most D&Cs are done under general anesthesia
. The procedure is typically very short, and general anesthetic can be quickly reversed, with the patient going home later the same day.
Is it harder to get pregnant after D&C?
The odds of pregnancy after a miscarriage appear
to be similarly positive
if you’ve had a D&C. Nearly 90 percent of women who had undergone a D&C procedure were pregnant within a year of starting to try again, one study found.
Can D&C damage the womb?
Rarely, a D&C results in development of scar tissue in the uterus, a condition known as
Asherman’s syndrome
. Asherman’s syndrome happens most often when the D&C is done after a miscarriage or delivery. This can lead to abnormal, absent or painful menstrual cycles, future miscarriages and infertility.
Which is better D&C or misoprostol?
Results:
Misoprostol
was more preferable than dilatation and curettage D&C in both 2010 and 2014, with percentages of 79.30% and 69.57%, respectively.
Is suction curettage painful?
Most women feel some pain during the procedure. The pain is like menstrual cramps, but
can be stronger
. Your doctor should tell you about ways to help with the pain like relaxation techniques, and pain medicine given by mouth or given by shot. Sometimes general sedation (going to sleep) is offered.
What are signs of an incomplete abortion?
- Bleeding more than expected.
- Bleeding that doesn’t get lighter after the first few days.
- Bleeding that lasts more than three weeks.
- Very severe pain or cramps.
- Pain that lasts longer than a few days.
- Discomfort when anything presses on your belly.
How long does it take for your cervix to heal after a D&C?
Generally, it may take
2-3 days
for complete recovery. You can resume your daily routine within 1-2 days after the procedure. Although you may be instructed not to douche, use tampons, or engage in sexual activities for 2-3 days or a period recommended by the physician after the D&C.
