Advanced
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
Surgery in Hyderabad

Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Pre-Op & Post-Op Care

The procedure for Dilation and Curettage (D&C) surgery is divided into three different phases: pre-operative phase, intra-operative phase, and post-operative phase. These phases are designed to make sure of patient safety, accuracy of procedure, and optimal recovery. The pre-operative stage is examining the patient and making them ready for surgery, which is followed by the surgical procedure itself during the intraoperative stage, and finally the post-operative stage, where the patient returns to normal activities after surgery becomes an essential objective.

Pre-operative care: Preparation before the Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure

The Dilation and Curettage (D&C) technique is a gynecological surgery to remove tissue from the uterine lining. It involves widening the cervix (Dilation) and scraping the uterine walls (Curettage). Before this procedure, the specialist confirms the medical history and sets specific instructions to actually prepare, namely,

By conducting a physical examination, reviewing the medical history, and asking about all the medicines or supplements that the patient usually takes.

Then the patient is asked to get a blood test to check for any bleeding disorders, followed by an ultrasound to determine the size and position of the uterus.

After this, in the Dilation and Curettage (D&C), medicines such as misoprostol may be given orally or vaginally, several hours before the procedure to help soften and dilate the cervix.

Patients are then informed about the anesthesia, with choices namely, local (numbing only the cervix), regional (numbing from the waist down), or general anesthesia (fully asleep).

Logistical preparations include patients not drinking or eating anything from midnight before the start of the procedure. Patients are then asked to take a bath for hygiene purposes, followed by removing all accessories worn by the patient, just before the start of the procedure.

Intra-operative care: Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure

The Dilation and Curettage (D&C) technique is typically performed in a hospital, clinic, or outpatient surgical center, and takes about 10-30 minutes.

At the start of the Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure, the patient lies on the examination table, with feet in stirrups, similar to a pelvic evaluation. Then the specialist starts an intravenous line for fluids and medicines, along with monitoring the vital signs constantly.

The speculum is then inserted into the vagina to hold the vaginal walls apart and to provide a clearer view of the cervix. The cervix is then cleaned with an antiseptic solution.

A series of thin rods, with each rod slightly thicker than the last, is then inserted into the cervix to widen it gradually.

After this, a spoon-shaped instrument is then inserted into the uterus, and the lining is gently scraped to remove the tissue; a suction is also used.

The tissue that is scraped is then sent to a laboratory for analysis of the underlying condition. Once the procedure is done, the instruments are removed, and then the patient is kept under observation.

Post-operative care: Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure

Recovery from the Dilation and Curettage (D&C) technique is usually very quick, but experts advise that certain steps need to be followed every time to prevent any complications.

The patient, after moving into another room, is asked to rest to recover from the effects of anesthesia.

The patient may experience mild to moderate cramping and slight bleeding; sanitary pads should be used instead of tampons by patients to reduce the risk of infection.

To manage pain after the Dilation and Curettage (D&C) technique, patients can use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the cramping. The patient should avoid lifting heavy weights and any kind of strenuous activity during this period.

Menstrual cycle changes can occur after the procedure and be delayed as the uterine lining takes time to rebuild. Regular follow-up and discussion of lab results with experts will determine if the patient needs any further treatments.

Benefits of Dilation and Curettage (D&C) at Yashoda Hospitals

• Diagnosis of abnormal bleeding
• Detection of cancerous cells
• Identification of other uterine issues
• Treatment of heavy or irregular bleeding
• Management of miscarriage or abortion
• Clearing a retained placenta
• Removal of polyps
• It is an outpatient procedure
• Minimal complications
• Increased accuracy
• Targeted treatment