Curettage is commonly known as a medical procedure performed on women when they have a miscarriage. However, actually curettage can also be done in other conditions. If you are recommended by a doctor to undergo curettage, there is some important information about curettage that is important for you to know.
A curette is the name of a surgical instrument used to remove tissue from the uterus. This procedure is known as curettage. The curettage or curettage procedure generally takes about 10-15 minutes, and the patient will be under general anesthesia while undergoing this procedure.
Know the Curette Function
Here are some conditions or medical needs that require a curettage procedure:
Curette for Examination
Not only to clean the uterus after a miscarriage, a curettage can also be done to find out the cause of complaints, such as:
- Bleeding outside the menstrual cycle
- Vaginal bleeding that is severe or in larger amounts than usual during menstruation
- Vaginal pain and bleeding during intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
Curettage can also be done as a follow-up examination when the doctor finds abnormalities in the results of other examinations, such as: PAP smear and uterine ultrasound.
When a curette is used as part of the diagnostic process, the doctor will collect a sample of tissue from the uterus for examination in a laboratory. The results of this examination can be used to diagnose various conditions, such as uterine cancer, uterine polyps, or thickening of the uterine lining.
As an examination procedure, curettage is often combined with hysteroscopy. If found abnormalities, such as fibroids, tumors, or polyps in the uterus, the doctor may take action to remove the abnormality in the uterus.
Curette to treat certain conditions
If the curettage for examination is only done by taking a sample, curettage as a treatment generally aims to remove abnormal tissue contained in the uterus. The example is:
- Cleaning the remaining tissue in the uterus to prevent heavy bleeding or For example, after a miscarriage or after an abortion procedure
- Removing polyps in the uterus or cervix (cervix)
- Removing blood clots and tissue in the uterus caused by molar pregnancy or molar pregnancy
- Cleans the remaining placental tissue that is left behind and attached to the uterus and treats excessive bleeding after delivery
- Removing benign fibroid tumors that form on the uterine wall
Understanding the Curettage Procedure
Before performing a curettage, the doctor or midwife will first conduct an examination to confirm the patient's condition and medical history. During the examination, tell your doctor if you:
- Allergy to certain medications, including anesthetics, antibiotics, or pain medications
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners
- Have a history of certain diseases, such as blood disorders or blood clotting disorders
If your condition is declared good and can undergo curettage, your doctor may ask you to fast for 6-8 hours before this procedure is performed. While waiting for curette preparation, you can also ask your doctor about the side effects and risks of curettage that can occur.
Before the curettage process begins, you will be asked to lie down with your legs open and raised. Then, you will be sedated so you don't feel any pain. The type of anesthesia you will be given depends on the type of curettage you have and your condition.
After you are sedated, the doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina and clean your cervix using an antiseptic solution. Furthermore, the curettage procedure can be started with the following 2 steps:
dilated
This is the process of widening the cervix to facilitate the curettage process. Dilation is usually done using medication or placing a device called a laminaria that softens the cervix and makes it widen.
Curettage
After the cervix is opened, the doctor will remove the contents of the uterus using a curette similar to a spoon. A device called a cannula can also be used to suck out any remaining tissue in the uterus.
However, if a curettage is performed for examination purposes, the doctor will only take a small amount of tissue as a sample to be tested in the laboratory.
After the curettage procedure is completed, your condition will be monitored for several hours by a doctor or nurse. This is important to make sure you are fully recovered from the effects of the anesthetic and to detect any complications, such as heavy bleeding or infection after the curettage.
If there are no dangerous side effects or complications, the patient is usually discharged and does not need to be treated. Normally, the patient can return to normal activities after 24 hours post-curettage.
Various Risks and Side Effects of Curettage
Curettage is generally safe to perform. However, just like any other medical procedure, this procedure can also cause side effects. After undergoing curettage, you may experience some side effects, such as:
- Cramps or stomach pain
- Spots or light bleeding in the vagina
- Dizziness, nausea and vomiting, especially if you are under general anesthesia
In certain cases, curettage can also cause more severe side effects or complications, such as:
- Heavy bleeding
- Damage to the cervix
- Perforation or tear formation in the uterus
- uterine infection
- Formation of scar tissue on the uterine wall (Asherman's syndrome)
If after undergoing curettage you experience fever, severe bleeding that makes you need to change pads every hour, severe abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, and abdominal cramps for more than 2 days, immediately consult a doctor for proper treatment. .