Dilation and Curettage (D&C) For Medical Reasons

Dilation and Curettage (D & C) for medical reasons:

A dilation and curettage procedure is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument to remove abnormal tissues along with the superficial part of the endometrium.

It is performed to obtain samples of the endometrium, (the lining of the uterus) to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding or abnormal cells that may be from the uterus that was found during routine screening for cervical cancer. D&C is typically performed when an endometrial biopsy is not possible or if the sample of the tissue was inadequate.

 

• Miscarriage or missed abortion

D&C is done in case there is no heart beat and the products of conception (placenta and embryonic tissues or gestational sac) are still in your uterus. The remaining tissue is aspirated from the vagina through the cervix to prevent infection and adhesions.

 

• Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to permanently remove a thin tissue layer of the lining of the uterus to stop or reduce excessive or abnormal bleeding in women who will have no more children.

It is done by using either heat or cold energy to destroy the endometrial lining of the uterus. Bleeding tends to be significantly less than before the procedure.  An endometrial ablation should only be considered for women who no longer wish to become pregnant and permanent treatment is desired.

 

• Endometrial Biopsy

The biopsy is performed to obtain a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus.

This procedure obtains a sample of the endometrial tissue. It involves the insertion of a plastic small flexible tube, through the opening of the cervix, into the uterus. Using suction, it plucks off a sample of tissue from the uterine lining and it is removed for laboratory examination.