Patient Education
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Audio Presentation

Dilation and Curettage

D and C


Your Procedure
  Your Body
  Alternatives
  Medical Record
  Anesthesia
  Before Surgery
  Your Procedure
  Recovery
This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. MedSelfEd, Inc. disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.

On the day of your operation,
On the day of your operation,
you will be asked to put on a surgical gown.
you will be asked to put on a surgical gown.
You may receive a sedative by mouth and
You may receive a sedative by mouth and
an intravenous line may be put in.
an intravenous line may be put in.
You will then be transferred to the operating table.
You will then be transferred to the operating table.
To perform a D and C, your doctor needs unobstructed access to your uterus, so your feet will be raised, separated and placed in canvas slings - holding your legs in a position much like that position used during a routine gynecological exam.
To perform a D and C, your doctor needs unobstructed access to your uterus, so your feet will be raised, separated and placed in canvas slings - holding your legs in a position much like that position used during a routine gynecological exam.
To begin, the genital area is swabbed with an antiseptic solution ...
To begin, the genital area is swabbed with an antiseptic solution ...
... and sterile towels are draped around until only the vulva is exposed.
... and sterile towels are draped around until only the vulva is exposed.
Then the surgeon will use a gloved hand to conduct a vaginal examination and will check the size and location of the uterus by pressing on your lower abdomen.
Then the surgeon will use a gloved hand to conduct a vaginal examination and will check the size and location of the uterus by pressing on your lower abdomen.
A metal or plastic vaginal speculum is used to gently expand the vagina and allow access to the cervix.
A metal or plastic vaginal speculum is used to gently expand the vagina and allow access to the cervix.
Once the cervix is visible, a forcep is used to grasp the front lip of the cervix - causing the uterus to open a little.
Once the cervix is visible, a forcep is used to grasp the front lip of the cervix - causing the uterus to open a little.
Using a blunt-tipped probe, the surgeon carefully measures the length of the uterus and takes a small sample of tissue from the cervical canal.
Using a blunt-tipped probe, the surgeon carefully measures the length of the uterus and takes a small sample of tissue from the cervical canal.
Next, the surgeon will dilate, or open the cervix, using a series of progressively larger metal rods called dilators.
Next, the surgeon will dilate, or open the cervix, using a series of progressively larger metal rods called dilators.
When the cervix has expanded sufficiently, the doctor will use a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette to gently scrape out the lining of the uterus. In some cases, surge
When the cervix has expanded sufficiently, the doctor will use a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette to gently scrape out the lining of the uterus. In some cases, surge
When the entire lining of the uterus has been removed, the instruments are withdrawn.
When the entire lining of the uterus has been removed, the instruments are withdrawn.
The tissue removed will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The tissue removed will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

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