Dilatation

This is a very minor surgical procedure wherein the outer lining of the uterus or womb is scraped away. The scraped tissues are called as endometrium.
This surgery is done in two steps namely; First step is the Dilatation wherein the womb is opened, the cervix and is widened. Secondly is the Curettage wherein the endometrium is scraped or removed using an instrument which is sharp.
Dilatation & Curettage can be carried out therapeutic and diagnostic reasons. Where in the results can help diagnose cancer in the womb or to eliminate fibroids also called as non-cancerous tumors that may be present in the uterus. D&Cs are carried out with the help of hysteroscope which is a tiny flexible camera that needs to be inserted in your uterus. General anesthesia is given to the woman. Usually these surgeries are safe and you can return to work within no time. Complications are very rare like, any damage or infection caused in the uterus.

Why is D&C necessary

This surgery is necessary to treat or diagnose condition like, abnormal bleeding, spotting, bleeding after an intercourse or post-coital bleeding, irregular periods, heavy periods or menorrhagia, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), womb cancer, endometrial cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STI), fertility problems, removing unwanted tissues and adenomyosis (where the inner lining of the womb grows inside the middle layer causing pain, bleeding and cramps, removal of an intrauterine device (IUD) that has become embedded in the wall of the uterus.
‘Evacuation of retained products of conception” (ERPOC) is a similar to D&C. It is used to prevent infection by removing tissue which is fetal after a miscarriage or abortion. D&C are seldom used treat problems like heavy menstrual bleeding as latest techniques are much better to use. Endometrial ablation is one such technique which can be used, wherein a tiny probe is inserted in the uterus through the cervix and microwaves or lasers are used to eliminate womb lining. This might not be suitable for all the women, in case their uterus is irregularly shaped or have undergone any previous uterus surgery; in such scenario D&C methods are recommended.

How is it Performed

Maximum surgeries are performed keeping in mind that the patient need not stay in the hospital overnight. Under the guidance of a general anesthetic, hence no intake of food will be allowed several hours before the surgery. This is done mainly to reduce any chance of vomiting food under anesthesia. Asit will be performed through vagina there will be no scar. Using rods the cervix is widened and a small instrument is inserted also know as the curette into the uterus to gently scrape off the womb lining. The tissue is collected and sent into the laboratory for testing in case you are undergoing D&C diagnosis. This is not a time taking procedure; it may take not more than five to ten minutes for the surgery. You are discharged the same day and can resume work or get into the chores with in a span of few days.