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We Perform Your D&C In-house
Finding out you need a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure can be stressful. The circumstances that led to the need for a D&C are often challenging, and you shouldn’t have to go through additional stress trying to figure out where to have the procedure performed.
At Interior Women’s Health, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the Fairbanks, Alaska, residents who entrust us with their care. This includes offering a wide range of procedures like D&C right here in our office, keeping you from having to travel elsewhere to take care of your women’s health needs.
What happens during a D&C?
Dilation and curettage is a procedure that removes tissue from within your uterus. Unlike a biopsy, which only removes a small volume of uterine tissue, a D&C removes a substantial amount.
You’ll receive anesthesia prior to the procedure to keep you comfortable throughout. The specific type of anesthesia used depends on a number of factors, including your overall health, the type and volume of tissue to be removed, and the reason for the procedure. In many cases, only local or regional anesthesia is needed.
While you recline on the treatment table or chair, your practitioner inserts a device called a speculum into your vagina. This is the same device used during routine pelvic exams, and separates your vaginal walls to help your provider see your internal tissues more clearly.
Next, your practitioner inserts metal dilator rods that gently stretch your cervix. Slightly larger rods are inserted to gradually open your cervix enough to allow slim surgical tools to be inserted.
Those surgical tools are used to remove the targeted tissue from your uterus. One option is a spoon-shaped device with a sharp edge, and some procedures also make use of a suction device to facilitate tissue removal.
Dilation and curettage is used to treat numerous issues
There are numerous reasons why you might need a D&C procedure. Some examples include:
- To remove tissue left behind after a miscarriage
- To remove a portion of the placenta that remains after childbirth
- To perform a medically necessary abortion
- To remove uterine or cervical polyps (usually benign)
- To remove a cancerous tumor
- As part of the uterine fibroid removal
Dilation and curettage is also sometimes used as a diagnostic tool when a biopsy doesn’t offer the best approach. The tissue removed during D&C is sent to a lab to check for any abnormalities.
Benefits of having your D&C performed in-house
Many women prefer to have all of their women’s health needs addressed by the same provider, in the same location. After all, once you’ve taken the time and made the effort to build a trusting professional relationship with your OBGYN, why wouldn’t you want to entrust that provider with all of your care needs?
If you’re already an existing patient at Interior Women’s Health, we have access to your comprehensive medical records. This means our practitioners are aware of any factors that can increase your risk of complications. It also means that your D&C will become part of your records, and that you’ll receive follow-up care as needed.
Having your D&C performed with us can also be far more convenient than having to schedule the procedure at another location, then having to travel to and from a different office. Billing and recordkeeping are also simplified by having your D&C done in-house.
Karl Baurick, MD, and Doris Heilman, MD, understand that the need for a D&C procedure is often accompanied by stress and emotional turmoil. We’re here to offer guidance, support, and unrivaled medical care to our patients. If you find yourself in need of a D&C, reach out to Interior Women’s Health to book an appointment. We offer convenient online booking, or you can always call to check availability.
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