Hysteroscopy with D&C

D&C (Dilation and Curettage) with Hysteroscopy are procedures that are performed together, these procedures are used to: Diagnose or treat abnormal bleeding from the uterus, such as heavy or long menstrual periods or bleeding between periods Remove polyps or fibroid Find out whether a woman has cancer of the uterus.

Before the Procedure

Always tell your health care provider or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the days before the surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
• Ask your health care provider which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.

On the day of your surgery:

• You very often will be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 – 12 hours before the surgery.
• Take the drugs your health care provider told you to take with a small sip of water.

Your health care provider or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital

D&C with Hysteroscopy Procedure

Dilation of the cervix will be the first step of the surgery. The doctor will grasp the cervix with a clamp and pass a thin, flexible piece of metal also known as a sound to determine the depth and angle of your uterus. The cervix will be dilated and a hysteroscope will be inserted into the uterus so the doctor can look inside the uterus.

The entire procedure should take 20 to 30 minutes.

After the D&C Hysteroscopy Procedure

• The recovery time is generally short following a D&C Hysteroscopy Procedure. Cramps, similar to menstrual cramps, will probably be the patient’s strongest sensation immediately after a D&C Hysteroscopy. Although most women experience cramps for less than an hour, some women may have cramps for a day or more.
• The patient may also have some light bleeding for several days.
• The patient will most likely be placed in the recovery room immediately after the procedure. Most hospitals and outpatient clinics will keep the patient for an hour or until she is fully awake. The patient will need to arrange for a ride home.
• It is suggested that the patient not drive for at least 24 hours after anesthesia. This is recommended even after a sedative/local anesthesia because side effects of these drugs can temporarily impair the coordination and response time.

Risks of the procedure

As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. Some possible complications of D&C with Hysteroscopy may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Perforation of the uterus (rare) or damage to the cervix
• Complications from fluid or gas used to expand the uterus

You may experience slight vaginal bleeding and cramps for a day or two after the procedure. There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

Certain factors or conditions may interfere with a hysteroscopy. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Vaginal discharge
• Inflamed cervix
• Distended bladder