Dilation and Curettage (D&C) Procedure in Mumbai

What Is a Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?

A D&C is a short surgical procedure performed to remove tissue from inside the uterus.

Many women ask,

"Is D&C only done after a miscarriage?"

Not at all. While D&C is commonly performed after a miscarriage, it is also used to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding, remove uterine polyps, evaluate thickened endometrium, and investigate infertility or suspected uterine abnormalities.

The tissue collected during the procedure can also be sent to a laboratory for detailed microscopic examination when necessary.

Types of D&C Procedures

The type of D&C depends on whether it is being performed to diagnose a condition or provide treatment.

Diagnostic D&C

Diagnostic D&C is performed to determine the cause of abnormal symptoms or investigate uterine abnormalities.

It may be recommended for:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding after menopause
• Thickened uterine lining
• Suspected endometrial hyperplasia
• Suspected uterine cancer
• Investigation of infertility

The tissue removed is sent for histopathological examination (biopsy) to help establish an accurate diagnosis.

Therapeutic D&C

Therapeutic D&C is performed to treat certain uterine conditions.

It may be recommended for:

• Incomplete miscarriage
• Missed miscarriage
• Removal of retained products of conception
• Removal of retained placenta after delivery
• Molar pregnancy
• Removal of benign uterine polyps
• Management of excessive uterine bleeding in selected cases

The procedure helps reduce bleeding, prevent infection, and restore normal uterine health.

When Is a D&C Procedure Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend a D&C if you have:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding after menopause
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Thickened endometrium
• Endometrial polyps
• Abnormal findings on ultrasound
• Abnormal endometrial cells
• Recurrent miscarriage evaluation
• Incomplete miscarriage
• Missed abortion
• Molar pregnancy
• Retained placental tissue after childbirth

The decision depends on your symptoms, age, ultrasound findings, and medical history.

How Should You Prepare for a D&C Procedure?

Many patients ask,

"Do I need to stay in the hospital?"

Most D&C procedures are performed as day-care surgeries, meaning you can usually return home on the same day.

Before the procedure, your doctor may advise you to:

• Avoid eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before surgery.
• Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
• Discuss any allergies or previous anaesthesia-related problems.
• Arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure.
• Complete any recommended blood tests or investigations.

Following these instructions helps ensure a smooth and safe procedure.

How Is a D&C Performed?

A D&C is usually performed under general anaesthesia or short intravenous sedation, so you will not feel pain during the procedure.

The procedure generally involves:

• Gently dilating the cervix using specialized instruments or medication.
• Inserting a curette or suction device into the uterus.
• Removing tissue from the uterine lining.
• Collecting tissue samples for laboratory analysis if required.
• Carefully checking that the uterine cavity has been completely emptied.

Many women ask,

"Will my doctor be able to see inside the uterus?"

In many cases, the D&C is combined with hysteroscopy, where a small camera is inserted into the uterus. This allows the doctor to directly visualize the uterine cavity, identify polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or other abnormalities, and treat them during the same procedure if appropriate.

What Conditions Can a D&C Help Diagnose?

The tissue collected during diagnostic D&C helps identify conditions such as:

• Endometrial cancer
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Uterine polyps
• Hormonal changes affecting the uterine lining
• Chronic endometritis
• Other abnormalities of the endometrium

Histopathological examination provides valuable information that guides further treatment.

Recovery After a D&C Procedure

One of the most common questions is,

"How soon can I get back to normal?"

Recovery after D&C is generally quick.

Most women experience:

• Mild cramping for one or two days
• Light vaginal bleeding for a few days
• Return home on the same day
• Return to light daily activities within 24–48 hours
• Complete recovery within a few days

Your doctor may prescribe pain-relieving medications and advise avoiding sexual intercourse, swimming, or tampon use for a short period to reduce the risk of infection.

Why Choose Dr. Deepika Doshi for D&C Procedure in Mumbai?

A D&C procedure should always be performed by an experienced gynaecologist to ensure accurate diagnosis, complete treatment, and patient safety.

Dr. Deepika Doshi, Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at Dhanvantari Hospital, Borivali, has extensive experience performing both diagnostic and therapeutic D&C procedures. She carefully evaluates every patient's symptoms before recommending the procedure and explains each step in simple, reassuring language.

Whether the D&C is required for abnormal bleeding, miscarriage management, endometrial evaluation, or uterine polyp removal, Dr. Doshi combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to ensure a safe procedure, comfortable recovery, and appropriate follow-up based on the laboratory findings.