Dilatation and curettage, commonly known as a “D&C”, is an outpatient surgical procedure used to evaluate and treat abnormal uterine bleeding. During a D&C, the cervix is gently dilated, and an instrument is passed through the cervical opening to remove any abnormal or thickened tissue from the uterine cavity. Often times a hysteroscopy is performed at the same time to visualize and evaluate the uterine cavity.
A similar procedure may be performed to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus following a miscarriage. In the case of miscarriage, the procedure is sometimes referred to as a “D&E”, and may incorporate suction to remove pregnancy tissue and minimize trauma to the uterine lining. After a D&C for a miscarriage, most women will experience light menstrual-like bleeding that may last for up to a week and gradually taper off. A spontaneous menstrual period usually occurs within 4-6 weeks after post-operative bleeding stops.
For abnormal uterine bleeding, we offer D&C as either an in-office procedure at our Durant Road location or an outpatient surgery in the operating room. For miscarriages, we only perform the D&C or D&E procedure in the operating room. Following a D&C, most patients only experience menstrual-like cramping and often are able to return to normal activities within a day or so.
