Dilation and Curettage
(Dilatation and Curettage, D&C)
Procedure overview
What is a dilation 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. A suction D&C uses suction to remove uterine
contents. This is sometimes called a dilation and evacuation (D&E).
Other related procedures used for diagnosing and treating the
endometrium include endometrial ablation, hysteroscopy, and
hysterectomy. Please see these procedures for additional information.
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What are female pelvic organs?
The organs and structures of the female pelvis are:
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Endometrium. This is the lining of the uterus.
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Uterus (also called the womb). The uterus is a hollow,
pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen, between the
bladder and the rectum. The uterus sheds its lining each month during
menstruation, unless a fertilized egg (ovum) becomes implanted and
pregnancy follows.
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Ovaries. Two female reproductive organs located in the
pelvis in which egg cells (ova) develop and are stored and where the
female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced.
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Cervix. The lower, narrow part of the uterus located
between the bladder and the rectum, forming a canal that opens into the
vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.
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Vagina (also called the birth canal). The passageway
through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods. The
vagina connects the cervix and the vulva (the external genitalia).
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Vulva. The external portion of the female genital organs.
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Fallopian tube. Two thin tubes that extend from each side of the uterus, toward the ovaries, as a passageway for eggs and sperm.
The menstrual cycle
With each menstrual cycle, the endometrium prepares itself to
nourish a fetus, as increased levels of estrogen and progesterone help
to thicken its walls. If implantation of the fertilized egg does not
occur, the lining of the endometrium, coupled with blood and mucus from
the vagina and cervix (the lower, narrow part of the uterus located
between the bladder and the rectum), make up the menstrual flow (also
called menses) that leaves the body through the vagina. After menopause,
menstruation stops and a woman should not have any bleeding.
Reasons for the procedure
A D&C may be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure for
abnormal bleeding. A D&C may be performed to determine the cause of
abnormal or excessive uterine bleeding, to detect cancer, or as part of
infertility (inability to become pregnant) investigation.
Causes of abnormal bleeding include the presence of abnormal
tissues, such as fibroid tumors (benign tumors that develop in the
uterus, also called myomas) polyps, or cancer of the endometrium or
uterus. Tissues obtained from the D&C can be examined under a
microscope. Abnormal uterine bleeding may also be due a hormone
imbalance or disorder (particularly estrogen and progesterone)
especially in women approaching menopause or after menopause.
A D&C may be used following a miscarriage to remove the fetus
and other tissues if they have not all been naturally passed. Infection
or heavy bleeding can occur if these tissues are not completely removed.
This type of D&C may also be called a surgical evacuation of the
uterus or a D&E.
Occasionally following childbirth, small pieces of the placenta
(afterbirth) remain adhered to the endometrium and are not passed. This
can cause bleeding or infection. A D&C may be used to remove these
fragments so that the endometrium can heal properly.
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a D&C.
Risks of the procedure
As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. Some
possible complications of a D&C may include, but are not limited to,
the following:
Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, iodine, or latex should notify their doctor.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your health care provider.
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical
condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the
procedure.
A vaginal, cervical, or pelvic infection may interfere with a D&C.
Before the procedure
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Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the
opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the
procedure.
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You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your
permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask
questions if something is not clear.
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In addition to a complete medical history, your doctor may
perform a complete physical examination to ensure you are in good health
before undergoing the procedure. You may undergo blood tests or other
diagnostic tests.
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If your procedure requires general, spinal, or epidural
anesthesia, you will be asked to fast for eight hours before the
procedure, generally after midnight. If your procedure is to be done
under local anesthesia, your doctor will give you instructions about
fasting.
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If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you
should notify your health care provider. He or she may recommend a
pregnancy test prior to the procedure.
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Notify your doctor if you are sensitive to or are allergic to
any medications, iodine, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents (local and
general).
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Notify your doctor of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
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Notify your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders
or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications,
aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. It may be
necessary for you to stop these medications prior to the procedure.
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If a sedative is given before the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home afterwards.
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You may want to bring a sanitary napkin to wear home after the procedure.
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Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.
During the procedure
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A D&C may be performed in a doctor’s office, on an outpatient
basis, or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary
depending on your condition and your doctor’s practices.
The type of anesthesia will depend on the specific procedure being
performed. 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. The anesthesiologist will
continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and
blood oxygen level during the surgery.
Generally, a D&C follows this process:
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You will be asked to remove clothing and be given a gown to wear.
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You will be instructed to empty your bladder.
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You will be positioned on an operating or examination table, with your feet and legs supported as for a pelvic examination.
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An intravenous (IV) line may be started in your arm or hand.
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A urinary catheter may be inserted.
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Your doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into
your vagina to spread the walls of the vagina apart to expose the
cervix.
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Your cervix may be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
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For local anesthesia, the doctor may numb the area using a small needle to inject medication.
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If general or regional anesthesia is used, the anesthesiologist
will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing,
and blood oxygen level during surgery.
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A type of forceps, called a tenaculum, may be used to hold the cervix steady for the procedure.
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The inside of the cervical canal may be scraped with a small curette if the cervical tissue needs to be examined.
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A thin, rod-like instrument, called a uterine sound, may be
inserted through the cervical opening to determine the length of the
uterus. If you have local anesthesia, this may cause some cramping. The
sound will then be removed.
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The cervix will be dilated by inserting a series of thin rods.
Each rod will be larger in diameter than the previous one. This process
will gradually enlarge the opening of the cervix so that the curette
(spoon-shaped instrument) can be inserted.
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The curette will be inserted through the cervical opening into
the uterus and the sharp spoon-shaped edges will be passed across the
lining of the uterus to scrape away the tissues. In some cases, suction
may be used to remove tissues. If you have local anesthesia, this may
cause cramping.
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The instruments will be removed.
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Any tissues collected with the procedure will be sent to the
lab for examination. Pregnancy tissues (called products of conception)
may be sent to the lab for culture or testing for genetic or chromosomal
abnormalities.
After the procedure
The recovery process will vary depending on the type of procedure performed and type of anesthesia that was administered.
If you received regional or general anesthesia, you will be taken
to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse,
and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your
hospital room or discharged to your home. If this procedure was
performed on an outpatient basis, you should plan to have another person
drive you home.
After a D&C using local anesthesia, you may rest for about two hours before going home.
You may want to wear a sanitary pad for bleeding. It is normal to
have some spotting or light vaginal bleeding for a few days after the
procedure.
You may experience cramping for the first few days after a D&C.
You may be instructed not to douche, use tampons, or have
intercourse for two to three days after a D&C, or for a period of
time recommended by your doctor.
You may also have other restrictions on your activity, including no strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
Because a D&C removes the lining of the uterus, the lining must
build back up. Your next menstrual period may begin earlier or later
than usual.
You may resume your normal diet unless your doctor advises you differently.
Take a pain reliever for cramping or soreness as recommended by
your doctor. Aspirin or certain other pain medications may increase the
chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only recommended medications.
Your doctor will advise you on when to return for further treatment or care.
Notify your doctor if you have any of the following:
Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.