A D&C is a common gynecological procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis or surgery center, such as ours. D&C stands for dilation and curettage. During the procedure, the doctor dilates the cervix – the opening of the uterus or womb. Once dilated, the doctor removes tissue from the uterus’ lining using a curette, a small instrument with a flat metal loop at the end. Depending on the reason for the D&C, the doctor may use a hysteroscope, which has a camera attached to it, to get a closer, magnified look at the inside of the uterus. The removed tissue may be sent to a lab for examination.
There are quite a few reasons a doctor may perform a D&C. Some situations that may require a D&C include:
- The removal of fibroids
- The abstraction of any potential cancerous tumors
- The disposal of any remaining tissue from a miscarriage or childbirth
A D&C may also be required to diagnose a medical problem. For instance, it may be used to figure out why unusual heavy bleeding is occurring during or between menstrual cycles.
The procedure only takes a few minutes, and patients are usually able to go home after a few hours. Most D&Cs are done under general anesthesia. If you are scheduling a D&C, it is best to arrange for someone to drive you home. Most patients are able to return to their normal routine within a few days. Patients may experience mild cramping and light bleeding during recovery. A prescription will help with any pain following the procedure. Your doctor will also give you instructions to follow after the surgery like avoiding tampon usage or sexual intercourse for a couple of weeks.
As you can see, there are many reasons to have a D&C. If you’re interested in learning if D&C is right for you, please talk to your healthcare provider. We’d be happy for you to have this procedure at Surgery Center of Fort Collins, as many people tell us it is often more affordable and less stressful to have procedures at our ambulatory surgery center as opposed to in a hospital setting. Have your provider contact us to schedule or call us at 970-821-8634 for more information.