Diagnostic curettage of the uterine cavity and cervical canal (D&C)

Safe and painless diagnostics with a therapeutic effect

Diagnostic curettage of the uterine cavity and cervical canal (also known as D&C — dilation and curettage) is one of the most common and important minor gynecological surgeries. Despite the fact that many women are frightened by the word “curettage” or “cleaning”, modern medicine has made this procedure absolutely safe, fast and comfortable.

At St. Luke’s Clinic, this manipulation is performed in a modern operating room under reliable medical sleep. Our main goal is not only to establish a 100% accurate diagnosis, but also to preserve your health and peace of mind.

When does a gynecologist prescribe diagnostic curettage?

This procedure is indispensable when an ultrasound shows abnormalities, but for an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the endometrial cells themselves (the lining of the uterus). The main indications for D&C:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding: heavy, prolonged menstruation, mid-cycle bleeding, or sudden bleeding during menopause.
• Suspicion of endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening of the mucous membrane).
• Presence of polyps in the uterine cavity or cervical canal (curettage allows them to be completely removed along with the “stalk”).
• Suspicion of a malignant process (oncology) of the cervix or uterine body.
• Complications after childbirth or spontaneous miscarriage (remnants of placental or fetal tissue causing inflammation).
• Preparation for complex gynecological operations (for example, before myoma removal).

Double effect: diagnosis + treatment

The uniqueness of this procedure lies in the fact that it simultaneously solves two problems. Firstly, it provides the doctor with material for histological analysis (examination of tissues under a microscope), which is the only way to confirm or exclude precancerous conditions. Secondly, curettage has a powerful therapeutic effect: during the procedure, the pathologically altered layer of the endometrium is removed, which instantly stops bleeding and eliminates the source of inflammation.

How is the procedure performed at St. Luke’s Clinic?

1. Absolutely painless: the manipulation is performed under intravenous anesthesia (short medical sleep). You will simply fall asleep for 15-20 minutes and wake up when everything is already finished. No pain or stress.
2. Course of the operation: the doctor carefully dilates the cervix and, using a special instrument (curette), first collects samples of the mucous membrane from the cervical canal, and then from the uterine cavity itself. Materials are collected in different containers (which is why the procedure is called “separate”).
3. Accuracy: if necessary, the manipulation is supplemented with hysteroscopy (video control) and ultrasound control to ensure that the uterine cavity is completely cleared of pathologies.
4. Laboratory analysis: the obtained material is necessarily sent to a pathomorphological laboratory. The results of the histology will be ready in a few days, after which the doctor will prescribe further medical treatment.

Recovery and recommendations after curettage

This is “day surgery”. After waking up, you will spend 2-3 hours in a comfortable ward of our hospital under the supervision of caring medical staff, after which you can go home.

For 5-10 days after the procedure, spotting and mild pulling pain in the lower abdomen (like during normal menstruation) are possible. To prevent complications, for 2-3 weeks, it is strictly forbidden:

• To have sexual intercourse.
• To use gynecological tampons (only pads).
• To take a bath, visit a sauna, steam bath or swimming pool (only a warm shower is allowed).
• To engage in heavy physical labor and sports.

Do not ignore alarming symptoms and bleeding. Entrust your health to the experienced gynecologists of St. Luke’s Clinic for a quick and safe diagnosis.