D&C procedure

D&C is a procedure that involves dilating the cervical canal (the mouth of the uterus) and cleaning the walls of the uterus (endometrium :the lining of the uterus) .This procedure is done mainly to get the lining of the uterus
and the lining can then be subjected to microscopic examination . Dnc can be done as a blind procedure as was being done conventionally. Now a days addition of a Hysteroscopy (putting in a scope and seeing the inside of the uterus on a screen) has provided us with an edge over the blind procedure. A Hysteroscope gives us information on the lining of uterus, any suspicious areas can be biopsied directly, polyp, Fibroid’s etc can be visually mapped and taken care of .

Some Common Questions and Answers About D&C

Q: What DNC means?

Ans: DNC stands for DILATATION AND CURRETAGE. This means that the doctor will dilate the cervix (i.e. the mouth of the uterus) and clean the walls of the uterus with help of instruments.

Q: What is DNC for pregnancy?

Ans: DNC for pregnancy is done where medical abortion is not possible or the medical abortion fails and there are retained products of pregnancy seen in the uterus on ultrasound.

Q: Is DNC an abortion?

Ans: All DNC are not abortions. DNC simply means clearing the contents and the lining of the uterus. DNC is done for abortion (surgical) and for reasons other than abortion also (for biopsy/stopping a very heavy bleed).

Q: How painful is a DNC?

Ans: DNC is generally done under anaesthesia so no pain is felt during the procedure. If you opt for DNC under sedation (pain killer& sleep inducing medicine) / local anaesthesia then you may experience a bit of discomfort /pain. For a painless DNC you must visit Dr Ruchi Rai Ahuja.

Q: Is DNC a major surgery?

Ans: No DNC is a minor surgery which is generally done as a day care procedure.

Q: How do you prepare for a DNC?

Ans: There are 3 pre procedure preparations for DNC. Firstly patient is thoroughly examined by the gynaecologist , blood tests are done also ultra sound is mandatory. Secondly instructions are given from the anaesthesia point of view i.e. patient is asked to have certain duration of fasting. Thirdly some medicines are generally given now a days which help in the dilatation (opening) of cervix.

Q: How long does it take to recover from a DNC?

Ans: Recovery is fast after a DNC. Patient is up and about after the anaesthesia effects wane off. Generally patients are monitored for 3 to 4 hours post procedure . Recovery in general depends on the type of anaesthesia and the reason for DNC. One should take life easy and avoid strenuous work for 2 to 3 days after the procedure. However your daily work will not suffer and you can join work next day is your work is not strenuous .

Q: What should you not do before a DNC?

Ans: You are not supposed to eat or drink ideally 6 hours before the procedure.

Q: What not to do after a DNC?

Ans: One should avoid douching the vagina and a sexual intercourse for the rest of the menstrual cycle. Do not skip the medicines prescribed by the doctor.

Q: DILATATION AND CURRETAGE indications?

Ans: Surgical termination of pregnancy
Removal of pregnancy tissue in case of incomplete abortion
For stopping bleeding in case of intractable /heavy bleeding as a lifesaving procedure
For endometrial biopsy to find out hormonal reasons of irregular bleeding
Confirmation of suspected cancer of uterus

Q: Is it hard to get pregnant after a DNC procedure?

Ans: It is generally not difficult to get pregnant after a DNC procedure and this all depends on the expertise of the gynaecologist and the cleanliness of her operation theatre and instruments. For this you must visit the Best Gynaecologist In Chandigarh and Best Abortion Clinic In Chandigarh

Q: What are the side effects of a DNC abortion?

Ans: Perforation of the uterus, infection (foul smelling discharge/fever), heavy bleeding or anaesthesia complications can very rarely occur during the procedure.

Q: How long does a DNC take?

Ans: It takes around 10 to 20 minutes most of the times.

Q: Signs that you might need a DNC operation?

Ans: Irregular/ heavy/ intermenstrual bleeding especially close to 40 years of age
For surgical termination of pregnancy
Retained pieces of pregnant tissue in the uterus.