Description of the procedure
In a dilation and curettage (D&C), the lining of the uterus is removed. Doctors often use this procedure to:
- take samples of tissue from the uterus to determine if an abnormality exists
- remove endometrial polyps
- remove tissue that is left in the uterus after an incomplete miscarriage (a miscarriage where some tissue is left in the uterus), an incomplete abortion (a situation where tissue is left in the uterus after an abortion), or childbirth
- perform an abortion (during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy)
This procedure is usually performed in a hospital or clinic. Most women go home the same day or the next day.
The curette is used to remove tissue from the lining of the uterus.
When should this procedure be performed?
Your doctor will decide when this procedure as required.
Why is this procedure performed?
This procedure allows doctors to detect problems with the uterine lining, rule out cancer, and help improve menstrual periods of women with heavier than normal menstrual flow. This procedure removes tissue that has remained in the uterus after childbirth or an incomplete miscarriage or abortion.
Are there any risks and precautions I should know about?
Certain risks are common to all surgery and every time a local or regional anesthetic is used. These include side effects of the anesthetic, breathing problems, infection, and bleeding.
Although dilation and curettage is generally considered safe, it does have some risk of complications. The most common complications are:
- tearing or puncturing the uterus, bowel, or bladder.
- damage to the uterus or cervix walls, which may make pregnancy more difficult (this is more common for people who have repeated D&Cs)
Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs of infection requiring medical attention:
- fever
- heavy bleeding (filling more than three sanitary pads in a few hours)
- severe cramps
- foul-smelling vaginal discharge