D & C

A Suction Dilation and Curettage (D & C) is a brief surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and a special instrument is inserted past your cervix into your uterus to scrape the uterine lining.

Why is a D & C may be performed?

A D & C is done to remove tissue in the uterus. This may be beneficial as removing this tissue that remains in the uterus following a miscarriage or childbirth can help prevent infection, heavy bleeding, inflammation, or remove any physical obstruction that could be preventing pregnancy in the future.

What to expect for a D & C?

AD & C is a brief surgical procedure only lasting 10-15 minutes. It is performed at our office or a nearby affiliated hospital by one of our physicians. The procedure will most likely be performed under local anesthesia, but you will have the opportunity to discuss other potential anesthesias with your doctor in your pre-surgical appointments.  During your pre-surgical appointment, you will need to sign a surgical consent form as well as provide a complete medical history.

During the D & C, you will lie on your back and place your legs in stirrups similar to a pelvic exam. The procedure then begins in two short phases:

• Dilation: Dilation involves the widening and opening of the cervix which allows the insertion of the surgical instrument.
• Curettage: Involves scraping the lining and removing any uterine content with a long spoon-like instrument known as a curette. Your physician may also use a suctioning device to assist in removing the uterine content.  During this, a tissue sample can be taken which will be sent to a lab for examination.