Dilation and Curettage Treatment

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a surgical method used to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus. Healthcare experts perform to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the womb, such as abnormal bleeding, miscarriage, or partial abortion. This activity can also be done after childbirth to clear the uterus. A gynecologist does this surgery in their office, hospital, or surgical center under local anesthesia.

It takes roughly five to ten minutes to complete the whole procedure. But the anesthetic and other preparations make the entire process take longer. A few hours following the treatment, patients will also need to wait in the recovery room before they may go home.

The D&C process involves two main steps:

Dilation

• The uterine cervix is opened with the help of a small instrument or medication to soften and widen the opening.

Curette

• A healthcare professional will use curette. It is a long surgrical tool in the shape of a spoon that goes inside the uterus. Tissues are cleaned or scrap is removed with this surgical instrument.

Dilation and Curettage Costs in India 

Removal of the uterine tissue is the main purpose of this treatment. It is performed to diagnose and treat specific uterine diseases. In India, D&C can cost anywhere between Rs 5000 and Rs 50,000.

The cost of dilation and curettage is influenced by many factors. These variables, which affect the procedure’s pace, are listed below:

• Admission fees
• Medical condition of patient
• Surgeon fee
• Room charges
• Location of hospital
• Type of treatment
• Gynaecologist fees
• Severity of condition
• Duration of pregnancy

Requirement of D&C

There are several reason to perform this surgery by the doctors, such as:

• Remove uterine tissue or lining following an incomplete failure or abortion.
• In this case, pregnant tissue are removed and to treat conditions like
  • hormonal imbalances
  • fibroids, or
  • polyps.
• To examine and look into inexplicable internal reproductive organ problems, infertility, or abnormal bleeding concerned with the females.

Dilation and Curettage Benefits

• It increases the chances of becoming pregnant in females who are suffering from uterine abnormalities.
• D&C helps restore normal uterine function.
• This also reduces symptoms of irregular bleeding.
• The surgery is safe and has a low risk of any difficulty.
• Patients can resume normal activities in a few days. 

Risks of D&C

Infection

• Following the procedure, there is a chance of getting an infection in the uterus.

Bleeding

• During or after the procedure, some women may experience severe bleeding.

Perforation

• Rarely, the tool being used could inadvertently puncture the uterus, which could cause major problems.

Scar tissue

• DandC may result in internal uterine scarring that may impact subsequent pregnancies.

Risks of anesthesia

• Using a general anesthetic medicine entails some hazards, including allergic reactions and breathing issues.

Procedure of Dilation and Curettage

Before the Process

• The doctor recommends a blood test and a physical examination to determine the patients’ overall health.
• Patients should not eat or drink for a few hours before the course of action.
• Blood thinners are one medication that may raise the chance of problems. Prior to the D&C, your doctor will make any necessary medication adjustments.

During the Procedure

• The patient will wear a hospital gown and lean back on the operating table with their feet in stirrups, as directed.
•  At the same time, the patient will be given either an epidural or general anesthetic drug.
• A speculum will now be inserted into the vagina by the surgeon. This will aid in cervix opening.
• Now that the cervix is dilated and open to perform the procedure. Then the doctor will insert multiple rods to hold it in place.
• Using suction or a tool, the surgeon will now remove the tissue lining.
• After that patients will be taken to the recovery room while the tissue sample is sent to a lab.

After the Procedure

• For a few days, women may have mild to moderate cramping that resembles menstruation cramps.
• There has been a bleeding and discharge issue for a period of one to two weeks.
• Patients should take complete bed rest for a few days.
• Follow up your appointment with healthcare professionals to discuss any related problems.