What Is Dilation and Curettage?
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a gynecological procedure for diagnosing and treating various uterine conditions. The cervix is dilated, then a curette is inserted to remove tissue from the uterus lining for examination. It can be conducted with the aid of an insertable camera called a hysteroscope to perform a D&C hysteroscopy. This procedure is often used to treat conditions like polyps and fibroids.
Cohen Medical Practice in Midtown New York City is a leading medical provider offering dilation and curettage among other diagnostic procedures and treatments. Dr. Felix Cohen and his team are at the forefront of providing effective feminine health solutions from routine gynecological exams to specialized procedures like D&C.
What Kind of Dilation and Curettage Do I Need?
Your CMP gynecologist performs varying dilation and curettage procedures depending on the underlying condition being diagnosed or treated. This means the approach and technique varies. For example, the D&C needed for investigating abnormal uterine bleeding varies from that done when treating polyps.
The type of D&C done is based on your symptoms, a physical exam and other preliminary tests.
The doctors at CMP New York offer all the different kinds of D&C, which typically fall into one of three categories, including:
- Diagnostic D&C. This procedure is used to collect sample tissue from the uterine lining, especially when investigating suspected cancerous growths.
- Therapeutic D&C. This D&C procedure is part of treatment to remove damaged tissue or growths. It’s effective when treating polyps and fibroids.
- Surgical D&C. This type of D&C is performed when dealing with complex cases like miscarriage or abortion, when there is a need to evacuate damaged and dead tissue.
When Do I Need a Dilation and Curettage?
You may need dilation and curettage when other treatment options are ineffective. There also are scenarios when it’s necessary to have a clearer picture of underlying conditions in the womb for an accurate diagnosis.
Your gynecologist may recommend D&C to alleviate severe and persistent symptoms.
The most common types of conditions that a D&C is used to treat include:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding. Persistent heavy, prolonged and irregular bleeding that doesn’t respond to other treatments, such as endometriosis, may need D&C to investigate the underlying cause.
- Miscarriage and abortion. D&C is sometimes recommended after a miscarriage or abortion to remove the remaining tissue, especially when a complication arises.
- Polyps and fibroids. Your doctor uses D&C to remove endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids to alleviate pressure, pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Cancer screening. A D&C is usually part of the diagnostic procedures when investigating suspected endometrial cancer.
What Happens during a Dilation and Curettage?
Your CMP gynecologist reviews your medical history and symptoms to determine the kind of D&C that’s going to be the most effective. The procedure is typically done in a surgical outpatient setting and you can go home the same day.
A D&C procedure lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. You first change into a gown and lie on the examination table.
The steps in the procedure include:
- Anesthesia. You receive anesthesia most appropriate for the type of D&C procedure planned as well as your health status.
- Dilation. Your cervix is dilated to the required width.
- Insertion. A hysteroscope is inserted to visualize the uterus. The curette then passes through the cervix into the uterus.
- Tissue removal. The curette is used to collect a sample of uterine lining or remove damaged tissue.
What Can I Expect After a D&C Procedure?
You can expect a quick recovery because a D&C procedure is minimally invasive. Most women usually return to their daily routines after a few days. But it’s essential to follow the doctor’s advice for a trouble-free recovery.
A D&C procedure doesn’t affect your sexual health or fertility. Pregnancy after D&C should happen as expected if there are no underlying issues.
The doctor offers some tips for quick recovery that include:
- Avoiding sex after D&C for a few days to prevent infection and heightened discomfort
- Avoiding heavy lifting and other physically strenuous activities for a few days
- Following a healthy diet to promote quick recovery
- Staying hydrated
Does a D&C Carry Any Risks?
Dilation and curettage is a safe procedure, and it’s rare to experience any complications. But risks can’t be ruled out completely. For example, you may see slight bleeding after D&C. In some cases, infection can happen if post-operative care is improper.
You greatly reduce the chance of side effects when you rely on the expertise of Dr. Cohen and the CMP team. They ensure the highest medical safety standards are in place for your D&C procedure.
Some of the measures taken to reduce risks include:
- Employing an experienced and skilled team of gynecologists and surgeons
- Deploying the latest medical technologies
- Giving you proper postoperative care advice
- Monitoring your recovery
Make CMP New York your preferred partner for a D&C procedure. Dr. Cohen and his team have a wealth of experience performing D&C and other required diagnostic tests. Contact Cohen Medical Practice today to learn more on what D&C can do to alleviate feminine health problems.