Have you ever heard the term curettage? This medical procedure may sound unfamiliar, but it is actually quite common. Simply put, curettage is a short surgical process that aims to remove tissue from the uterus.
Before you decide to undergo a curettage, there are several important things you need to know. Continue reading this article to understand more about curettage, starting from the purpose, procedure, to the things you need to prepare.
Purpose of Curettage
There are various reasons why doctors recommend curettage, including:
1. Diagnose Medical Conditions
Before performing a curettage, a doctor will often recommend an endometrial biopsy procedure or taking tissue samples from the inner lining of the uterus to diagnose certain conditions. This can happen if a person experiences abnormal uterine bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, or abnormal endometrial cells are found during routine testing for cervical cancer.
2. Treating Medical Conditions
Curettage is performed to treat various conditions, where the doctor removes tissue from inside the uterus, rather than just taking a small sample. This can be done to prevent infection or heavy bleeding after a miscarriage or abortion, remove tumors or tissue from a molar pregnancy, treat excessive bleeding after childbirth by cleaning the placenta left in the uterus, or remove cervical or uterine polyps which are usually not cancerous.
The curettage procedure is often combined with hysteroscopy, in which the doctor inserts a thin instrument equipped with a light and camera into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. This allows the doctor to directly see the condition of the uterine lining and examine suspicious areas, as well as take tissue samples if necessary. During hysteroscopy, the doctor may also remove uterine polyps or fibroid tumors.
Curettage Procedure
Before starting the procedure, the patient will be asked to wear a special hospital gown. The doctor will then explain the stages of curettage and make sure the patient understands everything. The following are the stages carried out by the doctor:
- Ask the patient to lie on her back in a straddling position. This position makes it easier for the doctor to access the vaginal area and uterus.
- Giving anesthesia. Anesthesia can be partial or total, depending on the patient's condition. IV fluids and antibiotics may also be given to prevent infection during the procedure.
- Inserting a urinary catheter. This catheter is used to collect urine during the procedure.
- Insert the speculum. This tool functions to open the vagina and keep the uterus stable during the procedure.
- Dilates the cervix. The cervix is the cervix which is the entrance to the uterus. The doctor will use a special tool to widen the cervix so that the curette can enter easily.
- Insert the curette tool. This tool is used to remove endometrial tissue and other tissue from the uterus.
- Removing endometrial tissue. The tissue that is removed will be placed in a container and taken to the laboratory for examination.
- Inserting a thin tube with a camera (hysteroscopy). Hysteroscopy is performed if the curettage is performed at the same time as another procedure, such as an examination of the uterus.
- Complete the procedure. The curette and speculum will be removed from the vagina, and the patient will be cleaned.
The curettage procedure generally takes around 5-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. After the procedure is complete, the patient will be asked to rest in the recovery room for some time before being allowed to go home.
Even though she had experienced a miscarriage and underwent a curettage procedure,there remains hope for a healthy pregnancy in the future. Consult a doctor to get the information and support you need.The doctor will help understand the physical and emotional recovery process after a miscarriage, as well as help plan the next pregnancy more carefully.
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