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Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure that opens the cervix and scrapes the uterine lining. It is used to diagnose and treat conditions like abnormal bleeding, detect cancer or infertility, and remove remaining tissue after a miscarriage or abortion. The cervix is dilated with rods of increasing size. A curette is then inserted into the uterus to scrape off and collect tissue for examination. After the procedure, the patient is monitored and advised to avoid sexual activity and tampons for a few weeks to prevent infection.

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230 views

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure that opens the cervix and scrapes the uterine lining. It is used to diagnose and treat conditions like abnormal bleeding, detect cancer or infertility, and remove remaining tissue after a miscarriage or abortion. The cervix is dilated with rods of increasing size. A curette is then inserted into the uterus to scrape off and collect tissue for examination. After the procedure, the patient is monitored and advised to avoid sexual activity and tampons for a few weeks to prevent infection.

Uploaded by

Jane Ello
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Definition
Dilation and curettage, or D&C is a procedure that allows removal of tissue from the
inside of the uterus. It clears the uterine lining after an abortion or miscarriage. It is also used a
used by doctors to treat uterine conditions such as heavy bleeding. This procedure is done by
dilating (opening) the cervix then a curette is used to remove the uterine tissue.

Purposes
A D&C may be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure for abnormal bleeding. It
determines any abnormality found in the uterus, excessive uterine bleeding, detect cancer, or
detect infertility.

Objectives
1. Investigate cause of abnormal uterine bleeding
2. Clear out remaining uterine tissue or fetus that results from incomplete miscarriage or
abortion
3. Remove fragments of placenta following childbirth
4. Determine the cause of infertility
5. Determine possibility of various infections or conditions

Equipment’s

 Hospital gown
 Sterile gloves
 Speculum
 Local/ General anesthesia
 Curette
 Hysteroscopy
 Dilation rods
 Specimen bottle

Procedure
 Explain the procedure to the patient. Explain that the procedure may be uncomfortable
and full cooperation is required.
Rationale: Explaining to the patient what is to be done during the procedure will help reassure
the patient’s nervousness and this will ensure their cooperation.
 Wash hands and don gloves
Rationale: washing hands will provide protection to any infectious disease that may be acquired
in the procedure.
 Instruct the patient to empty her bladder before starting with the procedure.
Rationale: A full bladder will cause the patient to become uncomfortable during the procedure.
 Provide privacy
Rationale: This procedure requires exposure of a sensitive part of the patient’s body.
Privacy is required.
 Ask the patient to change clothes into the hospital gown.
Rationale: Hospital gowns will ensure easy access to the site when doing the procedure.
 Place the patient in lithotomy position on the examining table. Place the legs of the
patient on the stirrups on the side of the bed.
Rationale: This will ensure the patient is comfortable and the vaginal site is easy to
reach.
 Give the patient local or general anesthesia.
Rationale: Anesthesia will help numb patient during the procedure or make the patient sleep
throughout the procedure.
 Slowly place a speculum into the vagina.
Rationale: This widens the vaginal canal and allows full view of the cervix
 Place a thin rod slowly at the cervix. Replace the rod with a slightly thicker rod. Repeat
until the cervix has been expanded to 6-9 millimeters. Remove the rod when the desired
dilation is acquired.
Rationale: this slowly widens the dilation of the cervix so the inside of the uterus can be
accessed.
 Insert a hysteroscopy
Rationale: This allows visualization of the uterus and enables examination of the abnormal
areas.
 Perform curettage. Insert the curettage into the uterus then gently remove the tissue by
scraping or suctioning.
Rationale: This removes the uterine tissue off the uterus.
 Place the removed uterine tissue on leak-proof specimen bottle. Remove the curettage
and the speculum.
Rationale: The tissue obtained can be send to the laboratory for testing
 Document the findings
Rationale: Complete and accurate medical documentation promotes patient safety and quality of
care.

Nursing Responsibilities

Before the procedure

 Instruct the patient to avoid drinking or eating 6-8 hours prior to the scheduled procedure.
After the procedure
 Monitor the patient for a few hours
 Explain to the patient that sexual intercourse is not advisable for about 2 weeks to avoid
infection
 Avoid using tampons for 2 weeks
 Explain to the patient that her next period may start at a regular time
Illustration:

____________________________________
Clinical Instructor

References:

https://youtu.be/1IwrAyonFA4

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910

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