Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is Dilation and Curettage ​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Dilation and Curettage (D&C) ?

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Why do you need Dilation and Curettage (D&C) ?

D&C is indicated for:

  • Therapeutic purposes:
    • Miscarriage: Remove retained tissue after incomplete miscarriage or missed abortion (fetal demise without expulsion).
    • Postpartum bleeding: Clear retained placental tissue after delivery.
    • Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB): Remove thickened endometrial tissue (e.g., endometrial hyperplasia) to control bleeding.
    • Termination of pregnancy: In early pregnancy (if legally permitted, per India’s MTP Act).
  • Diagnostic purposes:
    • Endometrial sampling: Investigate AUB, postmenopausal bleeding, or suspected endometrial cancer.
    • Infertility evaluation: Assess endometrial abnormalities (e.g., polyps, hyperplasia).
    • Suspected uterine pathology: Polyps, fibroids, or malignancy (e.g., endometrial cancer).

The procedure aims to remove abnormal or excess uterine tissue, control bleeding, prevent infection (e.g., after miscarriage), and provide tissue for histopathological analysis to diagnose underlying conditions.

Why Do Dilation and Curettage (D&C) Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Dilation and Curettage (D&C) Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Ultrasound: Confirms retained tissue (miscarriage), endometrial thickness (AUB), or uterine abnormalities (e.g., polyps).
      • Blood tests: Check hemoglobin (for anemia due to bleeding), blood group, and clotting profile.
      • Pregnancy test: Ensures no viable pregnancy (if not miscarriage-related).
      • Pap smear or HPV test: If AUB, to rule out cervical causes.
    • Medications: Misoprostol (sometimes) to soften the cervix; antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) to prevent infection.
    • Consent: Risks, including uterine perforation, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Standard D&C:
      • Performed under general anesthesia or sedation (sometimes local with paracervical block), lasting 10–20 minutes.
      • The patient is in the lithotomy position (legs in stirrups).
      • A speculum exposes the cervix; the vagina is cleaned with antiseptic.
      • The cervix is dilated using graduated dilators (Hegar dilators) to allow instrument access.
      • A curette (sharp or suction) scrapes or suctions the uterine lining to remove tissue.
      • Tissue is sent for histopathological analysis (diagnostic cases).
    • Suction D&C (Vacuum Aspiration):
      • Preferred for miscarriage or termination; uses a suction device to remove tissue, reducing perforation risk.
    • Hysteroscopy with D&C (if available):
      • A hysteroscope (camera) visualizes the uterine cavity; targeted curettage removes specific lesions (e.g., polyps).
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Ultrasound: Guides the procedure in complex cases (e.g., retained tissue).
      • Hysteroscopy (optional): Ensures complete removal of tissue.
  • After Surgery:
    • Observation: 1–2 hours (outpatient); 1-day stay if general anesthesia or complications.
    • Pain management: Analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen) for cramping (1–2 days).
    • Antibiotics: For 3–5 days to prevent infection.
    • Discharge instructions: Avoid intercourse, tampons, or douching for 1–2 weeks to allow healing.
    • Pathology report: Within 5–7 days (diagnostic cases).

Recovery After Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

  1. Immediate Recovery: Same-day discharge (most cases); 1-day stay if general anesthesia.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain: Mild cramping for 1–2 days, managed with analgesics.
    • Bleeding: Light spotting or discharge for 1–2 weeks; heavy bleeding is abnormal.
    • Activity: Light activities the next day; avoid heavy lifting, intercourse, or tampons for 1–2 weeks.
    • Hygiene: Showering allowed; avoid douching or tubs for 1–2 weeks.
    • Monitoring: Watch for signs of infection (e.g., fever, foul-smelling discharge).
  3. Diet: Normal diet; 2–3 liters water daily; high-fiber foods (e.g., fruits) to prevent constipation.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Visit at 1–2 weeks to check healing; 4–6 weeks for results discussion (diagnostic cases).
    • Repeat ultrasound (if miscarriage) to confirm complete tissue removal.

Most resume normal activities in 1–3 days; full recovery (uterine lining healing) takes 1–2 weeks. Menstruation resumes in 4–6 weeks. Success rates: 95–98% for complete tissue removal (miscarriage); 90–95% diagnostic accuracy for AUB or cancer.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Usually mild; 1% may need transfusion or repeat D&C.
    • Infection (1–3%): Endometritis (uterine infection); treated with antibiotics.
    • Uterine perforation (0.5–1%): Curette punctures the uterus; may require laparoscopy to repair.
  • Anesthesia Risks:
    • Reactions (1–2%): Nausea, dizziness; rare severe reactions.
  • Long-Term:
    • Asherman’s syndrome (1–2%): Uterine scarring causing adhesions, leading to infertility or irregular periods; treated with hysteroscopy.
    • Cervical incompetence (rare, <1%): If excessive dilation, may increase preterm birth risk in future pregnancies.
    • Incomplete removal (2–5%): Retained tissue (miscarriage), requiring repeat D&C.
  • Diagnostic Risks:
    • False negatives (5–10%): Sampling may miss malignancy; further testing (e.g., hysteroscopy) may be needed.

Report fever, heavy bleeding, severe pain, or foul-smelling discharge promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why might I need a D&C?

To manage miscarriage, control abnormal bleeding, remove retained tissue post-delivery, or diagnose uterine conditions (e.g., endometrial cancer).

Is D&C painful?

Not during the procedure (anesthesia used); mild cramping for 1–2 days post-surgery.

Can I avoid D&C?

Miscarriage: 50–70% resolve naturally (expectant management) or with medication (e.g., misoprostol); AUB: Hormonal therapy (e.g., progesterone) may suffice for some.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities the next day; normal routines (including intercourse) after 1–2 weeks.

Is D&C covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for miscarriage, AUB, or diagnostic purposes; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, heavy bleeding, severe pain, or foul-smelling discharge.

Will D&C affect future pregnancies?

Most women (95–98%) have no issues; 1–2% risk of Asherman’s syndrome or cervical incompetence.

Lifestyle changes post-procedure?

Avoid intercourse/tampons for 1–2 weeks, monitor for infection, attend follow-ups, and resume contraception (if desired) after 1–2 weeks.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Dilation and Curettage

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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