WOMB SCRUBBING
EVACUATION OF THE UTERUS
Opening the cervix and removing the lining (endometrium) and contents of the uterus. The D & C is often both a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure.
REASON FOR PROCEDURE
- Diagnosis of abnormal bleeding or possible cancer inside the uterus.
- Incomplete spontaneous miscarriage.
- Treatment of minor diseases of the uterus.
- Elective abortion during early pregnancy.
- Removal of membranes and placenta after childbirth in cases where they fail to delivery spontaneously.
RISK INCREASES WITH
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Cervical infection or ongoing uterine infection.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
- Recent or chronic illness, including anemia, diabetes mellitus, and heart or lung disease.
- Use of drugs, such as antihypertensives; cortisone; diuretics; or insulin.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE
- It is normally performed in a hospital or a surgery center.
- A general anesthetic, local anesthetic, or both will be administered.
- The vagina is cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
- The cervix is carefully opened with dilators, and a curette is inserted into the uterus. The curette can be a suction device or a looped knife.
- The curette is used to scrape the endometrium from the uterine wall. The tissue may be removed for examination and diagnosis, or for treatment of heavy or irregular uterine bleeding.
- Occasionally, ultrasound can be used for guidance for the instruments.
- The instruments are removed.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Tissue obtained successfully without complications in virtually all cases. Allow about 4 to 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Inadvertent injury to the uterus.
POSTPROCEDURE CARE
GENERAL MEASURES
- Don’t douche unless your physician recommends it.
- Wear cotton underpants and pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid underpants made from nylon, polyester, silk or other non-ventilating materials.
- Expect slight vaginal bleeding during recovery from surgery. Use a sanitary pad to protect clothing.
- Avoid tampons temporarily; they may lead to infection.
ACTIVITY
- Resume driving in 1 or 2 days.
- To help recovery and aid your well-being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Resume sexual relations when spotting ceases.
DIET
No special diet.