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
.
What happens after a curette?
You might
feel some cramping and discomfort
after a D&C, which you can control with paracetamol and with a heat pack. You might have light bleeding for 10 to 14 days, which may become heavier when you do physical activity such as lifting. Use sanitary pads and not tampons.
What is the purpose of curette?
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.
Are you awake for a curette?
What happens during a dilation and curettage (D&C)? Before the procedure, your provider will give you medicine to make you comfortable. You may have general anesthesia, where you’re asleep for the procedure. Or your provider may give you medication to relax and sedate you, but
you remain awake for the procedure
.
Is a curette painful?
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.
Do they put you to sleep for a D&C?
Some D&C procedures may be performed
while you are asleep under general anesthesia
, or while you are awake under spinal or epidural anesthesia. If spinal or epidural anesthesia is used, you will have no feeling from your waist down.
How long does it take for your cervix to close after a D&C?
Generally, it may take
2-3 days
for complete recovery. The recovery from dilation and curettage (D&C) depends on the type of procedure and type of anesthesia administered. After the surgery, you will be made to rest for about 2-5 hours before going home. Generally, it may take 2-3 days for complete recovery.
How much does a D&C cost 2020?
Medical cost site Healthcare Bluebook estimates that, before insurance, costs for a procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C)—which surgically clears the uterine lining after a first trimester miscarriage—can range anywhere from
$2,400 to upwards of $7,500
.
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.
What sedation is used for a D&C?
Background: Traditionally
propofol
has been used for providing sedation in dilatation and curettage (D and C).
How serious is a D&C?
Potential for Serious Complications
Having a D&C can sometimes lead
to heavy bleeding, infection, and uterine or bowel puncture
. The procedure has also been associated with a rare condition called Asherman syndrome in which bands of scar tissue (adhesions) form in the uterine cavity.
Is bleeding 3 weeks after D&C Normal?
The wait for a D&C may be up to 1 week, depending on your situation. After a D&C,
you may bleed for about a week
. A small amount of bleeding may be normal for up to 4 weeks after the D&C. Mild cramping is normal for 1 to 2 days.
Is bleeding 5 days after D&C Normal?
Sometimes women experience an episode of heavy bleeding and cramps
4-6 days after the D&C
. If this happens, lie down and rest. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) or Tylenol, rest, and a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen are helpful for relieving cramps.
What happens to your body after a D&C?
You
may feel tired or nauseated immediately
following D&C. And in the days that follow, you may experience some mild cramping and light bleeding that can last for up to a couple of weeks.
What is your first period like after D&C?
Your Period After a D&C
You may notice
that bleeding is heavier than usual
, with a bit more clotting, during your first one or two cycles after your D&C. It’s difficult to predict when an individual will get their period.
How long do you have to stay in the hospital after a D&C?
The dilatation and curettage procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes and is usually performed at the doctor’s clinic or in the hospital. However, you may need to stay in the clinic or hospital for
up to 5 hours
.
