At King’s, our physicians have vast experience and skills in performing Dilation and curettage.
Overview
Dilation and curettage refer to a procedure aimed at removing tissues from the inside of the uterus.
This procedure is performed for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine conditions that cause heavy bleeding and to clear the inner uterine lining in women who have had an abortion and miscarriage.
Why is it done?
Your doctor might recommend dilation and curettage with endometrial sampling for the diagnosis of cervical cancer or identifying the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding such as endometrial hyperplasia, uterine polyps, or uterine cancer.
What are the risks in dilation and curettage?
- Damage to the cervix
- Perforation of the uterus
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
How to prepare
Dilation and curettage is usually performed in a hospital or the doctor’s clinic.
You may be advised to limit your intake of foods and drink for around 4 hours before the procedure.
Your doctor may prescribe a medication called misoprostol, to be taken orally or administrated vaginally before the procedure, to promote the dilation of the cervix.
What you can expect
This procedure can be performed under general, local, or regional anesthesia or light sedation.
During the procedure:
- You will be asked to lie on the back on an examination table with your heels resting on supports.
- Your physician will then insert a speculum into the vagina to see the cervix.
- This is followed by the insertion of a series of rods into the cervix to dilate it slowly until it has opened adequately.
- Your doctor will then remove the dilation rods and insert an instrument having sharp edges or a suction device to removes the uterine tissues.
After the procedure
You might need to spend about 4 hours in the recovery room after the procedure.
You may develop mild cramping or spotting and light bleeding for a few days after the procedure.
You may resume your routine activities within one or two days.
Results
Your doctor will discuss the result of the procedure after the dilation and curettage or during a follow-up appointment.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT