D & C
A dilation and curettage or D&C are a procedure in which tissue is removed from within the uterus. A D&C is performed to treat and diagnose specific uterine conditions that usually cause heavy bleeding and/or to clear excessive lining after an abortion or miscarriage.
During the procedure, your physician uses instruments and medication to dilate the cervix which is the opening of the cervix. They will then use a sharp instrument or suction instrument called a curette to remove uterine tissue.
Why Is a D&C Needed?
A D&C may be used to collect samples, as well as remove whole contents from the uterus. The samples that are collected are sent to the lab for testing. The lab checks for:
- Precancerous cellular changes that may cause lining to become thick
- Polyps
- Cancer
A D&C can also be used for treatment purposes, such as:
- Prevention of infection or excessive bleeding after a miscarriage or abortion
- Removal of a tumor caused by molar pregnancy
- Removal of benign polyps
An additional instrument can assist in the procedure by allowing your provider to view areas which seem be causing issues.
What Happens in a D&C?
To prepare for your procedure, you will be required to follow a few guidelines provided to you by your physician. You may be required to have your cervix dilated starting a few hours before your procedure. This helps your provider be able to perform the D&C in a more comfortable way.
At the beginning of your D&C, you will be provided with either general or local anesthesia. General anesthesia will be given to you either through your intravenous line (IV) or through inhalation. General anesthesia causes you to become sleepy, and you will be unconscious throughout the procedure. In the case of local anesthesia, you will be given a numbing medication in either your abdomen or in your spine. However, in this way, you will be awake throughout the procedure.
A speculum is inserted into the vagina to view the cervix. The cervix is then dilated by rods. A spoon-shaped instrument device that is either sharp or a suction cup is inserted to remove the uterine tissue.
You will most probably spend a few hours in a recovery room until you feel better, and the anesthesia is worn off. You may experience symptoms such as mild cramping and bleeding for a few days. It is important to note that using objects like tampons or douching your vagina could cause infection and need to be avoided at all costs. Your uterus will start forming new lining after your D&C, and your following period may be earlier or later than you may expect.
D&C Procedures in Palatine, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington & Bartlett, IL
For more information, call Women’s HealthFirst at (847) 808-8884 or request your appointment now. We have five locations near Chicago, Illinois, to serve you. Established patients are encouraged to visit the convenient online patient portal to request an appointment, message our team, update their records, and more.
