Patient Education
Practice Hours
Monday through Thursday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Dahlonega Office
706-864-3400
Dawsonville Office
706-216-2345
Testimonials
We wanted to take a minute to thank you again. I understand that what you did for us is your job, its what you do everyday. For us it was different…it was something special. You made us feel like we were your only patients, not like a number or just another pregnant lady. The fact that you care that much means a lot to us…Thank you for everything. - Becky and Greg P P.S. The nurses at the hospital were fantastic too! |
| Dilation and Curettage (D and C) |
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OVERVIEW — Dilation and curettage (D and C) is a procedure in which material from the inside of the uterus is removed and can be used to diagnose or treat many conditions that cause abnormal bleeding from the uterus. The "dilation" refers to dilation (or stretching) of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. "Curettage" refers to the scraping or removal of tissue lining the uterine cavity (endometrium) with a surgical instrument called a curette. This sample will later be examined under a microscope for abnormalities. REASONS FOR D AND C — There are a number of reasons a D and C might be performed. In some cases, the procedure is used to gain information about the uterus to diagnose a medical condition (called diagnostic D and C). In other cases, the procedure is used to treat a medical problem or condition (called therapeutic D and C). Diagnostic D and C — The primary reason for a diagnostic D and C is to obtain samples of the endometrium to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding or abnormal cells found during routine screening for cervical cancer.
Therapeutic D and C — Therapeutic D and C is done to remove the contents of the uterus in the following circumstances: Miscarriage — In some miscarriages, the tissues from a pregnancy are passed completely. In other cases, a D and C is needed to remove this tissue or to ensure that all of it has been passed. This is important because the tissue could cause infection or heavy bleeding.
Treatment of molar pregnancy — A molar pregnancy occurs when a tumor forms in place of normal pregnancy placenta. It is often treated with a D and C.
Prolonged or excessive vaginal bleeding — D and C may be done as a treatment in some cases of prolonged or excessive bleeding that do not respond to medical treatment. Postpartum hemorrhage — Curettage may be done to manage excessive bleeding after delivery of an infant (postpartum hemorrhage). PREPARING FOR D AND C — Some patients will need to have blood testing before D and C (such as a blood count), although this is not always necessary. You should not eat or drink anything before the procedure. You will need someone to accompany you home because it will not be safe to drive after receiving anesthesia, which causes sedation. After arriving for the procedure, a nurse may place an intravenous (IV) line, which can be used to give fluids and medicine before, during, and after the procedure. The nurse or doctor will review your medical history, list of medications used, and any drug allergies. Complications are rare but could include bleeding, infection, or uterine perforation. CARE AFTER D AND C — After the procedure, you will rest in a recovery or post-anesthesia care unit for a few hours. This is necessary to monitor for excessive vaginal bleeding or other complications, and allows time for you to recover from the anesthesia. If you were given general anesthesia, you may have nausea and vomiting, which can be treated with medications. You will need to schedule a postoperative follow up visit with the attending doctor for two weeks after surgery. Recovery at home — You should be able to resume your regular activities within a day or two. Mild cramping may occur for a few hours or days; cramping can be treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). Spotting or flow like a period, lasting from two days to two weeks, should also be expected. Adjust your activies to your flow. If your flow increases, slow down. You should not put anything into the vagina (tampons, douches) during this time and should ask when you can safely have sexual intercourse. Your next menstrual period usually occurs within four to six weeks of the procedure. You should call your physician if you develop fever (temperature greater than 100.4º F), cramps lasting longer than 48 hours, increasing rather than decreasing pain, prolonged or heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every half hour) , or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
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