Dilation and curettage, also known as a D&C, is a minor surgery. In this, the uterus of women is cleaned, dilated and the cervix (lower part of the uterus) is cleaned. Special instruments are used to perform this surgery.
(People Also Like To Read: Cardiomyopathy Treatment In India At Affordable Cost)
When is a D&C needed?
Dilation and curettage are needed to clean the lining of the uterus for certain conditions associated with the uterus, such as excessive vaginal bleeding, during an abortion or after a miscarriage.
What should I know before having dilation and curettage?
In this case, your doctor may recommend a type of endometrial sampling, a D&C, which is done to treat the following conditions:
- If there is bleeding from the uterus
- Vaginal bleeding even after menopause
- A test is done for cancer of the cervix, which detects damaged endometrial cells.
To perform this test, your doctor takes a piece of tissue from the skin of your uterus (endometrium). which we examine. During this investigation these things are ascertained:
Endometrial hyperplasia - the onset of a condition in which the lining of the uterus becomes too thick.
- uterine polyp
- uterine cancer
Then during the D&C procedure, the doctor cleans your uterus from the inside. During this procedure, the doctor can do this type of procedure:
Cleans the tissue that remains in the uterus after a miscarriage or abortion to prevent infection or excessive bleeding.
Sometimes a lump of tumor begins to form inside the uterus, which is often considered a symptom of pregnancy. Your doctor will clear it.
To stop bleeding after delivery, all the ducts of the uterus will be cleaned.
Will remove cervical or uterine polyps, which are usually non-cancerous, but maybe early signs of cancer.
Your doctor may also perform a hysteroscopy during a D&C. During a hysteroscopy, your doctor inserts a thin device with a light and camera into the vagina through the uterus.
This allows your doctor to look at the lining of your uterus (the skin) on a screen while checking for any areas that look abnormal and making sure there are no polyps inside the uterus. Then during a hysteroscopy, your doctor may also remove uterine polyps and fibroid tumors.
(People Also Like To Read: Lowest Cost For Rosacea Treatment In India, Available)
What are the side effects and problems of dilation and curettage?
If your doctor has given you a dose of general anesthesia during this surgery procedure, it may cause you to have nausea or vomiting, or a sore throat. However, if you have trouble breathing after surgery, your doctor will place a tube in your windpipe. Anesthesia is used during surgery to make the patient unconscious and numb their body.
Common side effects of D&C which can last for a few days are:
- mild abdominal cramps
- blood stains or light bleeding
To relieve cramps, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of ibuprofen or other pain relievers.
Dilation and curettage are generally safe procedures. However, there may be some rare risks:
Hole in the uterus- During surgery, a surgical device is used, due to which there can be a hole in the uterus. It is more likely to occur in women who were recently pregnant or have gone through menopause. However, in most of its cases, it also gets better on its own. However, if there is damage to the blood vessels or other organs, then another surgery is needed to repair it.
Damage to the cervix – If the cervix ruptures during a D&C procedure, the doctor may apply pressure or close the wound with stitches to stop the bleeding.
The scar on the tissue of the uterine wall- This condition is very rare. This is known as Asherman's syndrome. This problem can occur if the D&C is being performed after a miscarriage or childbirth. This can lead to severe pain during the menstrual cycle, miscarriage, and infertility in the future.
Risk of infection- The risk of infection also remains after the D&C procedure. However, it is very rare.
If you notice any of the following symptoms after the Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure, call your doctor immediately:
Heavy bleeding during periods, which is why you need to change pads every hour
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps for the last 48 hours or more
- pain keeps on increasing instead of decreasing
- foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Before having dilation and curettage (D&C) surgery, talk to your doctor or surgeon about the benefits and potential risks involved.
If you have any questions regarding this, please consult your doctor.
How should I prepare myself for Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?
Before Dilation and Curettage (D&C):
The process of this surgery can take an hour or more.
Follow the instructions given by your doctor. Pay attention to the advice related to food and drink.
Come with an acquaintance to show you how to get home after surgery.
In some cases, your doctor may start the process of dilating your cervix a few hours before or even a day before this surgical procedure. This will help to open your cervix gradually. This is usually done when your the cervix needs to be dilated more than with a D&C, for which the doctor may perform a hysteroscopy.
To promote dilation, your doctor uses a medicine called misoprostol (Cytotec) -- which is given orally or vaginally -- to soften the cervix or a thin rod made of laminaria in your cervix. includes. Laminaria slowly spreads by absorbing the fluid in your cervix, causing your cervix to open.
To increase the dilation, your doctor may use a medicine called misoprostol (Cytotec), which can be given orally or vaginally. This softens the cervix and creates space for a thin rod made of laminaria to be inserted into the cervix. After which the laminaria gradually spreads by absorbing the fluid in your cervix, this opens the cervix.
What is the process involved in Dilation and Curettage?
The D&C process can usually take 15 minutes to 1 hour. However, you will have to stay in the hospital for some time after the surgery is complete.
You are given a dose of anesthesia before starting the surgery. The type of anesthesia you will be given depends on the type of surgery and your health condition.
General anesthesia supplements work to make you feel sedated and stop you from feeling pain. Apart from this, other types of anesthesia are used to numb only one part of the body, which is called anesthesia. However, if a large part of the body needs to be numbed, then doctors give a dose of regional anesthesia. Through which injections are put in your veins.
During the procedure of surgery:
You have to lie on your back.
Your doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina during a Pap smear test to view your cervix. Which gradually opens the cervix.
After the cervix is open, the doctor pulls it out and inserts a spoon-shaped device with a sharp edge or suction device into the vagina that removes uterine tissue.
What happens after dilation and curettage?
You will be kept in the recovery room for a few hours after the surgery is complete. Where the doctor will continue to examine your condition.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment In India
How should I take care of myself after dilation and curettage?
After a D&C, you should rest for some time at home. After a day or two, you will be able to do regular physical activities again. Talk to your doctor about what types of physical activities you should or should avoid.
The timing of your periods may change after surgery. It can come sooner or later. Do not make physical contact to protect the uterus from bacteria. Do not use condoms and period cups.
To get an instant appointment for Cancer Treatment in India, Just drop us a query on our website or Contact us on Whatsaap (+919654030724) or email us at connect@gomedii.com, regarding our services. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.