D&C stands for dilation and curettage. Dilation is a term used for opening the cervix. It is done to access the uterus. Curettage is the sampling or scraping of the endometrium. Dilation and curettage is a common procedure performed by obstetricians and gynecologists. It is used both for treatment and diagnostic reasons.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is common in the first trimester and is not always complete, meaning the body does not expel the entire pregnancy. This is potentially a great health risk that can lead to infection and related symptoms, such as fever, severe abdominal pain and bleeding. Dilation and curettage is necessary to clear any retained products of conception.
Procedure: D & C
D&C may be performed on an outpatient basis at a clinic or as an inpatient in a hospital surgical room. Patient positioning is like that of a pap smear: the patient lies in a supine position with the feet in the stirrups. A speculum is inserted to hold the vaginal canal open. Rods are used to dilate, or open, the cervix. A curette, a rod with a circular end, is inserted through the cervix and used to obtain a sample of the endometrium or clean the endometrial canal of debris.
Complications of a D & C
D&C is generally a safe procedure with minimal risks. Complications may include infection or perforation of the uterine wall. Abdominal pain, fever and unusual or heavy bleeding may be symptoms of infection or perforation. Adhesions, or scar tissue, may result during recovery from D&C. Adhesions can cause complications with menstruation and fertility. D&C may also weaken the cervix, which may be a risk should pregnancy occur.
Recovery after D & C
Patients usually need to abstain from regular activity for the first couple of days following D&C. Initially, there may be painful cramping and some bleeding. The cramping and bleeding should lessen and may last for up to two weeks. Patients are at a higher risk for uterine infection for a short period following D&C. Nothing should be placed into the vagina and one should abstain from sexual intercourse until otherwise advised by the physician.
Other Uses of D & C
If abnormal bleeding occurs or endometrial hyperplasia is diagnosed, D&C is used to obtain samples of the endometrium to test for diseasees such as cancer. This is sometimes done during hysterosonograms, a procedure that uses ultrasound and saline injected into the endometrium to find polyps. If endometrial tumors, such as polyps, are the cause for abnormal bleeding, D&C is used to remove the growths, and possibly the whole endometrial lining. This relieves the patient of irregular or heavy bleeding.
Tags: abnormal bleeding, abstain from, heavy bleeding, infection perforation, used obtain