A Dilation and Curettage surgery, also referred to as just D&C for short, is a gynecological procedure that tests for cancerous and other abnormal cells and other potential issues. After dilating the cervix, the OBGYN specialist then inserts the curette tool into the uterus to get a tissue sample. The doctor might also perform Dilation and Curettage hysteroscopy, which is essentially the procedure where the doctor uses a small camera to take a look inside the uterus to look for potential issues.
What Warrants a Dilation and Curettage Surgery?
Dilation and Curettage surgery is sometimes necessary in order to pinpoint the exact cause of a certain issue or symptom. That said, the doctor might suggest D&C in case of the following:
- Finding the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding or stopping it in case of really heavy periods or post-childbirth bleeding
- The previously abnormal test results, e.g., a uterine cancer test
- Excess pregnancy tissue that has to be removed after miscarriage or childbirth
- Molar pregnancy, where there’s an abnormal uterine growth during pregnancy
- Abortion in the first trimester
Dilation and Curettage Surgery Anesthesia
There are several different choices when it comes to the available anesthetic for D&C. In day surgeries and hospitals, patients can get general anesthetic as well as spinal anesthesia.
A general anesthetic makes the patient go into a deep sleep during the procedure. The medicine is introduced through the IV into a vein in the patient’s arm.
Spinal anesthesia involves the anesthetic injection into the patient’s spinal cord. In this case, the patient is awake throughout the Dilation and Curettage hysteroscopy and surgery, but they don’t have any sensation below the injection site.
In case of an in-office procedure, the doctor can give the patients a local anesthetic. This involves an injection directly into the cervix. While the injection itself might cause a sting, the patients won’t feel a thing during the dilation process after the area becomes numb. There might be some slight cramping sensation when the doctor takes a tissue sample of the uterus.
What’s the D&C Process Like?
Before undergoing D&C, your doctor will provide you with all the instructions. You most likely won’t be able to eat or drink from the night before the scheduled surgery. In some cases, your doctor might also give you medicine or a device that you should put into the vagina as close to the cervix as possible to soften the area or dilate the cervix a bit before the procedure.
Once the patient gets their anesthesia, the doctor will probably start with Dilation and Curettage hysteroscopy in order to inspect the inside of the uterus with a camera. Suppose some kind of abnormal growth is spotted. In that case, the doctor can then remove it through D&C. Basically, during the D&C when the goal is to treat a specific condition, the doctor will have to remove everything from the uterus and potentially scrape some of the uterine lining for further testing.
Once the D&C procedure is done, you’ll have to stay at the hospital/clinic for a couple of hours so that the doctor can make sure that there are no issues, such as fever or unusual bleeding after D&C. When it’s time to go home, make sure that you’ve called for someone else to drive you. The doctor will suggest when you can resume regular daily activities as well as the D&C recovery time. How long it takes to recover from a D&C is highly individual. You should also get information about when it’s acceptable and safe to use tampons again or engage in sexual intercourse. In general, the menstrual period occurs four to six weeks post-D&C.
Potential D&C Side Effects
The most typical side effects include relatively mild cramps and very slight bleeding after D&C, which can last for a couple of days. In case you feel pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. There are also other less common side effects, such as:
- Uterus tear or scar tissue
- Cervix injury
- Infection
When to Call a Doctor After Having D&C?
In case you notice any of the following symptoms after going through the D&C procedure, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible:
- High fever (higher than 100.4°F/38°C)
- Stronger cramping sensation that doesn’t go away even after two days
- A painful sensation that only seems to increase
- Vaginal bleeding after D&C that’s either really heavy or doesn’t stop even after two weeks
- Vaginal discharge that’s green in color or has a foul odor
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a D&C?
When it comes to how long it takes to recover from a D&C, the exact recovery will highly depend on the individual and the nature of their condition. However, there are some common symptoms during the D&C recovery time, such as getting mild cramps and feeling a bit tired one to two days after D&C. What’s more, it will be necessary to stay in the doctor’s care for a couple of hours on the day of the procedure for observation. And because of the anesthetic and post-D&C symptoms, it will be crucial to have someone else take you home.
Some light spotting is also another common symptom after D&C, which is why it would be best to prepare some menstrual pads and even take them with you to the hospital/doctor’s office for the procedure. Make sure not to use tampons even if you may be used to them more than the pads because they could cause an infection. Your doctor will probably recommend some pain relievers, but if they don’t, don’t hesitate to ask them about the best over-the-counter pain meds for you.
To speed up the D&C recovery time, moving around a bit as quickly as possible will be necessary. This may be uncomfortable at first, but strengthening your muscles is also necessary. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should do any strenuous activities or exercises. Simply try to get up and walk in the first couple of days after the procedure.
In general, it should be safe to get back to your regular daily activities about two days after undergoing D&C. Still, your doctor will probably tell you to avoid engaging in sexual intercourse, taking baths, and douching for a minimum of three days, if not longer after the procedure.
If the reason for having the D&C in the first place was the removal of abnormal growths that could potentially be cancerous, your doctor will notify you about the results once the lab’s done with testing. In case of noncancerous findings, you’ll probably just get a follow-up appointment with your doctor. If the tested cells end up being (pre)cancerous, the common practice is to take the next steps to the OBGYN specialist.
In order to enjoy and live a fulfilling and healthy life, women should never neglect their gynecological health. Regular checkups and paying attention to the potential symptoms and unusual changes can make a huge difference and even save lives. Of course, it’s very important to have a comfortable and trusting relationship with your doctor. That said, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Kompal Gadh when it comes to all the concerns you may have. Her extensive experience has allowed her to help thousands of women improve their reproductive health and recognize their own desires and needs for the most effective care.
