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Suction curettage
Suction curettage is another method of removing samples of
the womb lining for examination (endometrial biopsy)
PURPOSE
Similar to that of a D & C, suction curettage is performed as a
means of diagnosing the cause for abnormal bleeding. Your doctor
may prefer this method opposed to that of a D & C for a number
of reasons. Firstly, a biopsy by suction curettage can be
performed without the need of anaesthetic, thus being suitable
for those women where anaesthetic proves unfavourable. Secondly,
in the case of the woman who has already had children, therefore
resulting in the cervix being less taught, this procedure would
be simpler. On the other hand however, the woman may be prone to
anxiety, in which case prefer a D & C under general anaesthetic.
PROCEDURE
A biopsy by suction curettage is performed on an out-patient
basis, whereby the woman can resume her normal lifestyle shortly
afterwards.
A very fine plastic or metal tube is inserted into the womb via
the cervix, which would not need to be dilated (widened)
beforehand. Low-pressure vacuum is then applied to the tube,
thus allowing samples of the womb lining (endometrium) to be
extracted. The woman may feel slight discomfort, but the
procedure only lasts a few minutes.
RECOVERY
You may experience slight bleeding and mild period-like
cramping, similar to that of the after-effects of a D & C,
though much milder.
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