Dilatation & Curettage (D & C)

During dilatation and curettage also called D & C is where the lining of the uterus is scraped to remove tissue.

Usually D&C is done for one of the following reasons:

• To diagnose and possibly treat abnormal vaginal bleeding
• To perform an abortion · to treat an incomplete miscarriage or abortion
• To diagnose and possibly treat vaginal bleeding after childbirth
• To help detect cancer of the uterus
• To help evaluate some cases or infertility, or inability to have children

In some cases, a sample of the uterine lining is taken before D&C is done. This is called an endometrial biopsy. Or Hysteroscopy procedure with a tiny telescope, called a hysteroscope, may be used before D&C. This allows a doctor to look at the lining of the cervix and uterus before doing the D&C.

Complications

Complications following D&C are rare and may include: 

• Reactions to medicines, such as anaesthesia, pain relievers and antibiotics
• Problems with the anaesthetic, such as allergies or other reactions and difficulty waking up or
  breathing
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or passage of clots
• Infection of the uterine lining, pelvic organs or the surrounding area
• Developing a hole in the uterus.
• Scarring of the uterus from too much scraping
• Damage to the cervix
• Puncture of the uterus