HysterSisters Articles for Hysterectomy

SHARING IS CARING

D & C (Dilation and Curettage)

From the Treatment Alternatives Articles List

Why is a D&C done and what can it show?


A D&C, or dilation and curettage, is a procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat several conditions involving the uterus. During a D&C, the cervix is dilated to allow a sample of the endometrium to be removed with a tool called a curette. The tissue sample that is removed is then sent for testing to check for things such as endometrial hyperplasia, polyps, or cancer.

Depending on your symptoms and suspected diagnosis, only a small portion of endometrium may be removed during a D&C. In other cases, your doctor may try to remove all of your endometrium. The endometrium can be either scrapped or suctioned from your uterus.

Your doctor may recommend a D&C for diagnostic reasons if you have abnormal uterine bleeding, abnormal endometrial cells, or postmenopausal bleeding. It may also be done to determine more about a cancerous or pre-cancerous condition, as this can allow better treatment plans to be made. In addition, polyps, some fibroids, abnormal or excessive bleeding, a thickened endometrium, and scar tissue in the uterus can all be treated during a D&C.

A D&C is usually done on an outpatient basis in either your doctor’s office or a surgical facility. Depending on your situation, you may be given a type of anesthesia, which could be local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on your situation, your surgeon, and the anesthesiologist. You will be asked to not eat or drink for at least 6 to 8 hours prior to the procedure. You may also be asked to avoid certain medications, supplements, and herbs for up to two weeks before your D&C.

Following your D&C, you will need someone to drive you home. You may also need to restrict your activities for a few days. Some spotting and cramping may occur for several days, but you should not be in excessive pain or have excessive bleeding.

D&C complications can include heavy bleeding, infection, perforated uterus, injury to the cervix, and formation of scar tissue within the uterus. It is also possible that the D&C sample will miss the disease, which is one reason the procedure can be combined with a hysteroscopy. You should call your doctor if you experience intense pain, excessive or prolonged bleeding, a fever over 101.1, or a foul smelling vaginal odor.


This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.



SHARING IS CARING

Do you have a question?

If you have a medical support question related to this article, come JOIN US in our HysterSisters Community Forums. You will receive helpful replies to your questions from our members. See you there!

HysterSisters Free Hysterectomy Booklet What 350,000 Women Know About Hysterectomy with pages of information, helpful tips and hints to prepare and recover from hysterectomy. Free download for members.

HysterSisters Articles

Diagnosis
Options to Hysterectomy
Treatment Alternatives
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Separate Surgeries
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Separate Surgeries
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Breast Health
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
GYN Genetics
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Find a Surgeon

Lori Warren, M.D. 3900 Kresge Way Suite 30 Louisville KY 40207 502-891-8700	Antonio Gargiulo, M.D. Brigham and Women's Hospital 75 Francis Street Boston MA 02115 617-732-4222	Ellen Wilson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN Dallas TX 75390 214-648-4747
Arnold Advincula, M.D. Columbia Ob/Gyn Midtown 51 West 51st St, 3rd FL New York NY 10019 (855) 75-OBGYN	Lauren Streicher, M.D. Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, S.C 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 117 Chicago IL 60611 (312)654-1166	Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573
Caren C Reaves, M.D. Caring for Women 2805 S. Mayhill Rd Denton TX 76208 940-591-6700	Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001	Joseph S. Valenti, M.D. 2805 S. Mayhill Road Denton TX 76208 940 591-6700