Dilatation and curettage (D&C)

Dilation and curettage (D&C): What you should know?

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure in which a tissue is removed from the uterus. The cervix is dilated and using a special instrument the uterine lining is scraped.

Why is Dilation and curettage (D&C) performed?

D&C is performed to treat certain conditions of uterine that includes heavy or abnormal bleeding and after a miscarriage or abortion to clear the uterine lining.

It can also be done to check the degree of the abnormality of the endometrium in cancer cases or pre-cancerous cells. In rare cases, this procedure is used to correct the problem in the uterus such as an overgrowth of tissue, polyps and scar tissue.

Risks involved in Dilation and Curettage

• Heavy bleeding
• Internal or bleeding from the Incision
• Infection
• Perforation of the uterine wall or bowel
• Adhesions may develop inside the uterus

Contact your doctor/surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following after a surgery

• Heavy bleeding that you need to change pads every hour
• High Fever
• Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
• Pain that gets worse instead of better
• Unbearable odour with discharge from the vagina