What is D&C / D&E?
Dilation and Curettage (D&C) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) are gynecological surgical procedures performed to remove tissue from the uterus.
D&C involves dilating (opening) the cervix and scraping or suctioning the uterine lining to remove abnormal tissue, manage heavy bleeding, or clear remnants after miscarriage.
D&E is a similar but more extensive procedure, often used in the second trimester, combining dilation with surgical removal of uterine contents using suction and forceps under anesthesia.
Symptoms / Indications for D&C / D&E
Your doctor may recommend D&C or D&E for:
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- Retained products of conception after miscarriage or delivery
- Incomplete or missed miscarriage
- Uterine polyps or fibroids removal
- Endometrial sampling for abnormal bleeding or suspected cancer
- Molar pregnancy management
- Pregnancy termination (especially D&E in second trimester)
Procedure / Treatment
Before the procedure
- Clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and blood tests are performed.
- Cervical preparation with medications (misoprostol) may be given to ease dilation.
During D&C / D&E
- Performed under local or general anesthesia.
- Cervix is gradually dilated using dilators.
- For D&C, a curette (surgical instrument) is used to gently scrape the uterine lining, or suction is applied to remove tissue.
- For D&E, suction combined with surgical instruments is used to evacuate the uterus, especially if the pregnancy is advanced.
After the procedure
- Monitored for a few hours in recovery.
- Mild cramping and light bleeding may occur for a few days.
- Antibiotics and pain relief medications may be prescribed.
Prevention
D&C and D&E are treatments rather than preventive procedures, but maintaining reproductive health can reduce some underlying causes:
- Regular gynecological check-ups
- Managing hormonal imbalances
- Prompt treatment of uterine infections
- Early management of abnormal bleeding
- Using contraception effectively to avoid unintended pregnancies requiring termination
Benefits of D&C / D&E
- Resolves heavy or irregular bleeding
- Removes retained tissue to prevent infection and bleeding complications
- Provides accurate diagnosis through endometrial sampling
- Treats incomplete or missed miscarriage safely
- Manages molar pregnancies effectively
- Ensures complete evacuation during second-trimester pregnancy termination
Types
Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
Diagnostic D&C (biopsy for abnormal uterine bleeding)
Therapeutic D&C (removal of polyps, retained tissue)
Dilation & Evacuation (D&E)
- Mainly for second-trimester pregnancy termination or incomplete miscarriage management