Dilatation and Curettage / D&C

Dilatation and Curettage - FAQ's

1.Who performs a D&C?
A Gynaecologist performs a D&C.

2.How long will a patient have to stay in the hospital for a D&C?
It is usually a day care procedure and the patient can get admitted and discharged on the same day or sometimes the next day.

3.After a D&C when can the patient start her routine activities?
She can carry on her routine activities after 24 hrs and not before, as she is likely to feel drowsy due to anaesthesia.

4.When can she return to work?
Most women can return to work within 3 days if the occupation does not involve heavy physical work, in which case she will need to consult with her doctor.

5.What will happen if a woman has repeated D&C's?
She is likely to develop infections and may also have infertility due to scar tissue sealing the uterus shut known as Asherman's Syndrome.

6.Will there be bleeding after the procedure?
Expect slight bleeding and staining for about 5 to 14 days after the procedure. But if the bleeding is heavy, or if it is prolonged, you will need to consult the doctor.

7.Will there be pain after the surgery?
Expect cramping after the surgery, for which pain medications are usually prescribed. The pain disappears after 24 to 48 hrs.

8.What are the abnormal symptoms, which we need to report to the doctor?
If there is heavy bleeding with clots, or if there is foul smelling vaginal discharge, or if there is intense abdominal pain with fever, then you will have to report to the doctor immediately.