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D & C (dilation and curettage)
A D & C is the most common minor surgical procedure needed by
women, also sometimes referred to as 'diagnostic curettage'.
PURPOSE
The purpose of a D & C is to take samples (biopsy) of the lining
of the womb (endometrium) for examination under a microscope.
This procedure is carried out for a number of reasons, i.e. to
determine the cause of heavy, painful bleeding, bleeding between
periods, bleeding during or after intercourse, and bleeding
after the menopause.
One of the main purposes is to look into possible cancerous
changes to the cervix or womb, however, don't assume you have
cancer just because you suffer with any of the above mentioned
conditions, these can also often be the result of a less serious
disorder i.e. fibroids, polyps or due to a hormonal imbalance.
Used not only as a method of investigation, a D & C has other
uses as well. It can be used not only to investigate polyps, but
also to remove them, as well as the removal of any remnants
following a miscarriage or remains of the placenta after
childbirth. It can also be used as part of an investigation into
infertility, by the examining of the womb lining.
PROCEDURE
Being a minor procedure, a D & C would at most only require an
overnight stay in hospital, but more often than not is performed
on a day-patient basis, whereby the patient is allowed to go
home once fully recovered from the anaesthetic.
It is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, however a
local can also be used, in which case it will be injected into
the cervix. The vagina is held open with a speculum, allowing
the doctor a clear view of the cervix. The doctor will then
widen (dilate) the cervix (entrance to the womb) by means of
metal rods (dilators). A spoon-shaped instrument (curette) is
then passed into the womb and the lining scraped. The whole
procedure would take no longer than 10-15 minutes.
RECOVERY
The after-effects are minimal, however you may experience some
bleeding and mild period-like cramping for a day or two
following the procedure. Use sanitary towels as a means of
protection opposed to that of tampons, as these can increase the
risk of infection. Periods may be irregular for a couple of
months, or until the womb lining returns to its normal
functioning, nevertheless, contraception would still be needed
to prevent pregnancy. There are no long-term effects, and most
women resume their normal lives the day after.
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