Dilatation and curettage is a diagnostic surgical procedure performed in women who are affected with abnormal uterine bleeding. Dilation and curettage has been performed since decades in hospitals and gynecology specialty set ups for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding which could be caused by fibroids, growths, hormonal fluctuations or cancer of the uterus and neighboring structures. In simple terminology, Dilation and Curettage can be described as a surgical procedure where the uterine cervix is dilated and a special instrument is used to scrape the lining of the uterus which is sent for further pathological examination.
What is the principle of dilatation and curettage procedure ?
Dilatation and Curettage is based on the principle of dilatation of the uterine cervix to improve the accessibility of the uterine lining or the endometrium which is further scraped with the help of a specialized instrument. The scrapings can be further sent for further pathological examination to identify the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
What are the indications of dilatation and curettage procedure ?
Dilatation and curettage is diagnostic surgical procedure which is mainly indicated for the identification of abnormal uterine bleeding in women. The causes of abnormal uterine bleeding can be due to the presence of uterine fibroids, growths in the wall of the uterus, any hormonal imbalances or cancer. Dilatation and curettage is also indicated in women after an abortion to prevent infection and heavy and prolonged bleeding.
How do you if dilatation and curettage procedure is indicated for you?
If you are experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding it is advised to seek consultation with a gynecologist who will conduct a complete physical examination, history taking and analysis of your signs and symptoms. If the specialist feels dilatation and curettage is the choice of treatment for you he will explain the risks, benefits and outcome of the procedure to you in detail.
Does dilatation and curettage procedure require administration of anesthesia?
Yes, Dilatation and curettage is mostly done under general anesthesia and mild sedatives are also administered to calm and relax you during the procedure. If general anesthesia cannot be administered the doctor might administer regional or spinal anesthesia before the start of the procedure.
What happens during a dilatation and curettage procedure ?
Dilatation and curettage are followed in two steps. After the administration of anesthesia, the operating surgeon uses a rod like instrument to dilate or broaden the opening of the uterus which is called as the cervix. Sometimes vaginal pessaries may also be used to help in dilatation of the cervix for better accessibility of the inner part of the uterus. Curettage followed by dilatation involves the removing or scraping of the lining of the uterus with a help of a specialized instrument called as the speculum which is spoon shaped in structure. After the scrapings from the wall of the uterus are removed, suction may be used to remove any left tissue in the uterus. The entire procedure takes about 15-30 minutes. The scraped tissue sample might be sent for a pathological examination to identify the root cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
What is the post-operative care after dilatation and curettage procedure ?
If general anesthesia is administered during a dilation and curettage procedure the patient is shifted to a post operative recovery unit to monitor the recovery immediately after the procedure. The patient can resume normal activities within one or two days of the procedure. There might be slight bleeding or cramps for a few days and the next menstrual cycle may be early or delayed. Medication for pain can be taken if required and the doctor will advise you to use sanitary pads in case of bleeding. The treating specialist might also ask you to refrain from any sexual activity or usage of tampons to prevent infections and other possible complications.
What are the side effects of a dilatation and curettage procedure ?
The common side effects might include nausea, vomiting, foul smelling vaginal discharge, mild bleeding, abdominal discomfort, cramps. Infection and bleeding might also occur. The rare side effects include damage to any of the vital organs like the uterus, the bladder and the bowels.
What is the outcome of dilatation and curettage procedure ?
With the advent of more advanced diagnostic aids, dilatation and curettage has started to gain less importance amongst the gynecologists. Dilatation and curettage was commonly done to identify the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding which at initial stages can be diagnosed with ultrasonography, CT scans and MRI scans. The sole modified clinical application indicating for a dilatation and curettage procedure today is obtaining endometrial tissue for laboratory examination where a thin plastic suction curette is used causing less damage to the uterus and neighboring organs. Consultation with a a specialist is advised to see if dilatation and curettage is indicated for you.
How to find gynecologists for dilatation and curettage procedure ?
Now you can find gynecologists for dilatation and curettage procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost of dilatation and curettage procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for dilatation and curettage procedure. Find and choose a gynecologist for dilatation and curettage procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
