Dilation and Evacuation:

What you should know?

Dilation and evacuation is a surgery performed to remove or empty any content remaining of conception from the uterus. It is the procedure followed to clear the tissues from the woman’s uterus which in general term called abortion.

In the second trimester i.e. post 12 weeks of pregnancy, due to any reason if the woman needs to undergo an abortion, will be recommended dilation and evacuation. In this procedure.

How is this surgery performed?

In this surgery, a device called a cervical dilator is inserted into the cervix and dilation is made to reduce the risk of any injury to the cervix during the procedure, after which a surgical evacuation of the contents are made in the uterus. It is a procedure followed to prevent infection after a miscarriage by clearing or emptying all the content fully.

Before the surgery, a doctor will give you a drug, an osmotic dilators that are inserted into vagina or misoprostol that will be placed between cheeks and gums or in the vagina a few hours before the abortion. During the surgery, a doctor will give local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia for the woman who had a miscarriage in her second trimester (12 weeks to 24 weeks) and will perform the surgery using the surgical instruments.

Advantages & disadvantages of Dilation and Evacuation

In the second trimester, this is the only procedure recommended for a safe and clear abortion. But, as a disadvantage, it comes with few risks that include damage of the uterus, abdominal cramping, pain, bleeding for almost fifteen days and recovery may take up to a week.

Post Dilation and Evacuation surgery

Post-surgery, you will be given antibiotics to prevent infection and you will be recommended to take a rest that day. Following day you can do your normal activities, but should not indulge in sex for a week or until the doctor confirms. You may also be given medicines to help the uterus contract and return to the previous size.