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Dilation and Curretage

What Is Dilation and Curettage?

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Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a surgical remedy for sudden, heavy, vaginal bleeding.  The procedure receives its name from the instrument, a curette, used to scrape the endometrium (uterus lining).  D&C is considered one of the fastest ways to stop uterine bleeding.  Left unchecked, a patient can suffer from massive blood loss or anemia.  The procedure also enables doctors to gather uterine samples in order to test for endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women. 

Surgeons use general anesthesia or sometimes an epidural. Dilation and curettage begins with a dilator inserted into the cervix to dilate the region.  The woman is positioned in stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam, and the doctor uses a speculum to clear access to the uterus.  D&C is an outpatient procedure.  The actual surgery lasts minutes, with a 1 to 4-hour initial recovery period.  Patients are usually mobile 1 or 2 days later, but they can experience pelvic cramping, vaginal discharge, or irregular menstrual cycles.  Doctors recommend that patients refrain from intercourse, douching, and tampons until the patient has made a full recovery. 

Dilation and curettage is usually a temporary solution that is more diagnostic than anything else.  The uterine samples gathered during the procedure may prove critical understanding the true cause of the condition.  In some cases, the bleeding stops on its own after menopause.  Endometrial scarring is a rare but possible risk that can lead to complications during pregnancy or sterilization.  Other risks include vaginal hemorrhaging, puncturing of the endometrium, and infection.
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