Dilation and Curettage

Dilation and Curettage

Dilation and curettage is a medical procedure that involves the removal of tissues from inside of a uterus. It is popularly known as D&C. This is performed as part of the diagnosis and treatment of a number of uterine ailments – from heavy bleeding to clearing out the uterine line after an abortion or miscarriage.

This is a sensitive surgical process wherein your cervix is dilated (opened), and a small instrument is inserted into your uterus with the intention of removing tissues from the interior of your uterus (curettage).

There are several situations where your doctor might suggest you undergo a dilation and curettage process. Your gynecologist may ask you to go through either an endometrial sampling or therapeutic dilation and curettage based on your condition.

Possible Causes

An endometrial sampling of dilation and curettage is done to diagnose you if you have the following conditions:

• Bleeding after menopause.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Presence of abnormal endometrial cells (this is usually discovered during routine tests for cervical cancer).

Risk Factors

If not done properly, there is a chance of bleeding, perforation, and infection of the uterus during dilation and curettage. However, when performed by experienced doctors, you do not have to fear mishaps.

Signs and Symptoms

If you are recommended a therapeutic dilation and curettage, you need to understand that removing contents from your uterus’s interior is being done. It is done in the following conditions:

• Removal of noncancerous uterine or cervical polyps
• Treating excess bleeding post-delivery. It is done by clearing out any placenta that may have remained in your uterus.
• Clearing out tissues from your uterus after an abortion or miscarriage. It is done to stop bleeding and infection.
• Removal of molar pregnancy. In this case, instead of a normal pregnancy, a tumour is formed.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose you, your gynaecologist will collect a sample of the tissue from your uterus lining (endometrium) to check for the following:

• Uterine cancer
• Uterine polyps
• Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining)

Treatment Options at 7DMC

Since dilation and curettage deal with one of the most sensitive areas of your body – the uterus – you need to ensure that you are under the supervision of certified medical professionals who are highly trained to carry out such delicate operations.

7DMC is one of the most reputed medical centers and houses world-class gynaecologists, among other fields of doctors that have immense experience under their belt. This is why it is frequently ranked among the top of several lists of the best medical centers in the Middle East and the entire world.

Once you make an appointment and consult with them, you would be guided every step of the way on how to prepare for the process and how to take care of yourself after the procedure so that you get to recover fast and return to your normal healthy self without any complications.