Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Dilation of the cervical canal and curettage of the endometrium are performed to investigate abnormal bleeding or to remove contents from the uterine cavity, with appropriate monitoring and recovery instructions.

Page Overview

What is curettage?

It is a gynaecological procedure in which, after dilation (widening) of the cervix, the lining of the uterine cavity or retained tissue is removed with a special instrument, a curette.

It can be a diagnostic curettage, when a sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) is taken for histopathological analysis and to find the cause of irregular bleeding or a suspicious ultrasound finding, or it can be a therapeutic curettage, when the aim is to clear the uterine cavity of retained tissue after a miscarriage, childbirth, or in cases of heavy, uncontrolled bleeding.

Key features of curettage

  • Quick and effective management of heavy or irregular bleeding
  • Safe removal of retained tissue from the uterine cavity
  • Histopathological analysis of the endometrium for a reliable diagnosis
  • An organised process from examination to recovery on the same day

What are the benefits of curettage?

A minimally invasive procedure

Curettage is performed without classic incisions – through the vagina and cervix – which means a shorter recovery, a lower risk of complications and a faster return to usual activities compared to larger operative procedures.

Quick control of bleeding and clearing of the uterine cavity

The procedure effectively stops or reduces heavy bleeding and removes retained tissue after a miscarriage or childbirth, thereby reducing the risk of infection, anaemia and other complications.

Reliable diagnostics of the endometrium

The removed tissue is sent for histopathological analysis, which allows a precise assessment of the uterine lining (benign changes, hyperplasia, pre-cancers, cancer) and the planning of further treatment or monitoring.

Indications and expected results

Curettage is recommended when there are symptoms or findings that point to bleeding disorders or the presence of retained tissue in the uterine cavity, and when a sample of the uterine lining is needed for histopathological analysis.

The most common indications

  • Abnormal, heavy or prolonged bleeding
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • An ultrasound finding of a thickened endometrium or a polyp
  • An incomplete miscarriage
  • Retained parts of the placenta after childbirth or termination of pregnancy
  • The need for an endometrial sample in cases of suspicious findings

What can you expect?

The aim is to remove the source of bleeding or the retained tissue and to obtain a clear histopathological result of the uterine lining. In this way the risk of complications is reduced, the complaints are eased, and the doctor gains a reliable basis for further treatment or monitoring.

The expected results depend on your initial findings and the reason for the procedure. At a follow-up examination after the curettage, the gynaecologist explains the histopathology findings in detail and agrees on a further plan (monitoring, medication therapy, further procedures if needed).

What does the procedure look like - step by step

1. Preparation and admission

Arrival at the agreed time, brief administrative processing, a conversation with the gynaecologist and anaesthetist, and a review of the documentation and findings. The course of the procedure, the risks and recovery are explained.

2. Anaesthesia and the start of the procedure

Brief intravenous anaesthesia or analgosedation is most often used, so that you are free of pain and discomfort during the procedure. The anaesthetist monitors your vital functions throughout.

3. The procedure itself - dilation and curettage

After widening the cervix, the gynaecologist gently removes the lining of the uterine cavity or retained tissue with an instrument (a curette). If needed, the material is sent for histopathological analysis. The procedure itself most often takes a few minutes.

4. Recovery and discharge

After the procedure you rest in the day hospital under the supervision of staff. The intensity of bleeding and your general condition are monitored. Before going home you receive a written report and clear instructions for the following days.

At Cito Polyclinic, curettage is performed in day hospital conditions, with an anaesthetic team present and continuous monitoring. The procedure is clearly structured so that you know what to expect at each step.

Preparing for curettage

You receive detailed preparation instructions when the procedure is arranged, and they are tailored to your age, therapy and general state of health. They most often include:

  • Arranging the appointment in line with the menstrual cycle, as recommended by the gynaecologist
  • Laboratory tests (blood count, coagulation, etc.), as assessed by the doctor
  • Information about all the medicines you take, especially blood-thinning medicines and antithrombotic therapy
  • Instructions on when you need to fast before the anaesthesia
  • Arranging someone to accompany you home after the procedure

Note: You will receive precise instructions (when to stop eating and drinking, whether you may take your morning medication, etc.) from our team when the procedure is arranged. The aim is for the curettage to be as safe and as simple as possible for you.

Recovery after curettage

Most patients recover quickly after curettage and go home the same day.

After curettage it is usual to experience:

  • mild to moderate bleeding
  • brownish discharge for a few days
  • occasional cramps similar to menstrual pain
  • Fatigue or drowsiness may be present on the same day because of the anaesthesia

It is recommended to temporarily avoid: 

  • Light daily activities are possible already the next day, according to how you feel
  • Rest on the same day is recommended, as well as avoiding more strenuous physical activities for a few days
  • Use sanitary pads; temporarily avoid tampons, baths and swimming pools
  • Postpone sexual intercourse as advised by your gynaecologist (most commonly 1–2 weeks)
When should you contact us sooner than planned?
  • If you notice heavy bleeding (the need to change several pads in a short time)
  • If you develop a raised body temperature (38 °C or higher), chills or general malaise
  • If you feel severe pain in the lower abdomen that does not respond to the usual analgesics
  • If you develop an unpleasant, purulent or markedly foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • If you have marked dizziness, weakness or a feeling of faintness

In such situations contact us as soon as possible, and if you are not sure whether it is needed immediately, please call — together we will decide on the next step.

Why choose Cito Polyclinic?

Curettage is a procedure that requires good organisation, cooperation between the gynaecologist and anaesthetist and a clear plan for further monitoring. At Cito Polyclinic you go through all these steps in one place, with the support of an experienced team.

An experienced gynaecology team

The procedure is performed by a team of gynaecologists with experience in managing abnormal bleeding, miscarriages and suspicious endometrial changes, with an individual approach to each patient.

Anaesthetic supervision and a day hospital

Curettage is performed with an anaesthetist present and monitoring of vital functions, and recovery takes place in the calm environment of the day hospital, under the constant supervision of medical staff.

Complete diagnostics in one place

From the first examination, ultrasound and laboratory tests, through the curettage procedure and histopathological analysis to the follow-up examination - everything is organised within Cito Polyclinic, with minimal waiting.

Clear instructions and a further plan

After the procedure you receive written instructions and arrange a follow-up examination. With the histopathology findings, further monitoring or treatment is planned, taking into account your life plans and any wish for pregnancy.

Price of curettage 

At Cito Polyclinic, the price of diagnostic and therapeutic curettage is 300 EUR. The procedure is performed in a day hospital setting, with a prior consultation with a gynaecologist and anaesthetist and clearly defined instructions for recovery at home. Additional costs:

 Histopathology (PHD) analysis of the sample - charged additionally, depending on the type and scope of the analysis

 General / intravenous anaesthesia - charged additionally according to the current price list of anaesthesiology services

Before the procedure you will receive an exact calculation of all costs, including any PHD analysis and anaesthesia, so that you have a clear financial picture with no hidden expenses.

You can get the exact price of the procedure and the first available appointment by calling +385 21 457 800 or by sending a message via the contact form.

Doctors

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this service

When is D&C indicated and under which anesthesia is it performed?

It is indicated for abnormal bleeding, retained tissue after miscarriage/delivery or to investigate the endometrium. It is performed under short general or local anesthesia.

What does the recovery look like and how long is the rest period?

Mild bleeding and cramps are expected for several days; 24–48 h of rest and avoidance of sexual intercourse for 1–2 weeks are recommended.

What are the risks of the procedure and how to reduce them?

Bleeding, infection, perforation and intrauterine adhesions (Asherman). The risk is reduced by ultrasound guidance and a gentle technique.

When are follow-ups recommended and when can usual activities resume?

A check-up is in 1–2 weeks; return to activities depends on the findings, generally after symptoms subside.

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