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WHAT IS DILATION AND CURETTAGE?
Dilation and currettage (also known as D and C) is a procedure in which the endometrium is scraped away with a spoon-shaped instrument known as a curet (hence the name curettage). The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The uterus is a hollow organ in a female's body where the egg is implanted and the baby develops.
WHY IS A D AND C PERFORMED?
One reason for a D and C is to help diagnose or treat a variety of possible conditions that can affect the female reproductive system., such as excessive bleeding during a woman’s period. A period (also known as the menstrual cycle) is the shedding of the lining of the uterus that generally occurs once every 28 days in women who are not pregnant.
A D and C is often performed after a woman has had an abortion or miscarriage in order to clean the area. While an abortion is a planned termination of a pregnancy, a miscarriage is an unplanned, spontaneous abortion that occurs naturally.
HOW IS A D AND C PERFORMED?
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First, medication is given to numb the cervix. The cervix is a small, cylinder-shaped organ that forms the lower part and neck of the uterus. If needed, a relaxing medication known as a sedative may be given to calm the patient. Next, an instrument known as a speculum is used to spread open the vagina. Once this is accomplished, successively larger plastic or metal devices known as dilators are used to gradually open the cervix.
When the cervix is opened, the doctor inserts the curet (see above) through it to scrape out the surface of the endometrium. The scrapings are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, such as cancer. The entire D and C procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. |
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A D AND C?
After a D and C is performed, the woman stays in the hospital for a few hours to rest and then goes home. It is common for one to experience light bleeding and mild cramping afterwards, but complications are rare. When complications do occur, this is usually due to infection, excessive bleeding, or perforation (to cause a hole) of tissue. Infection is more likely to occur as the cervix remains in a widened state. This is why doctors recommend not having sex or using tampons after the procedure until the cervix returns to its normal size and the area has healed. This typically takes four weeks.
Most regular daily activities can be resumed after about two days. The women’s next period may not occur on time because new endometrium needs to form again. If you have a D and C, be sure to follow-up with your physician for medical advice and to make sure you are healing properly.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM, DILATION AND CURRETTAGE?
Dilation and currettage comes from the Latin word "dilato" meaning "to spread out," and the French word "curette" meaning "scoop." Put the two words together and you have "spread out (and) scoop."
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