Preventive procedure to recognize unwanted occurrences on the uterus in time
Adequate prevention of disorders related to the function of the reproductive system should be a priority for every woman.
Regular gynecological examinations can create a clear diagnosis of your health condition, and at the same time warn of the development of potential complications that can be prevented at an early stage of development.
That is why at the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, in case of suspicion of the possible development of occurrences such as polyps on the uterus, thickened mucosa, or even uterine tumors, we perform a series of diagnostic procedures that serve us for further analysis.
One of such procedures is uterine curettage – a routine procedure by which we take uterine tissue, in order to recognize possible complications in time and prevent further development of problems.
Curettage is a surgical procedure that seeks to collect the tissue of the uterine mucosa. The procedure of careful scraping of the uterine mucosa takes tissue that can later be used for further analysis and prevention of more serious health problems of the reproductive system.
Curettage, in addition to the purpose of diagnosis, is also performed as a therapeutic method for the purpose of stopping heavy uterine bleeding.
In medical terminology, the term fractional curettage is also used, which involves the collection of tissue from different areas of the uterus. Fractional curettage in this context refers to the separate (fractional) collection of samples, for example from the uterine canal, but also from the uterine cavity.
Samples can be collected with instruments such as a curette, which is used with gentle scraping movements, but sophisticated devices that speed up and facilitate the process, such as a vacuum aspirator.
Whether it is fractional, diagnostic or therapeutic curettage, this procedure is one of the integral gynecological examinations, and the routine and effectiveness of this procedure have made curettage the basis for recognizing and treating numerous problems in the field of the reproductive system.
Uterine curettage is a procedure that can be done for different needs. Sometimes it is useful for the purpose of recognizing health problems, and it can also be used to treat existing disorders.
Your doctor may recommend that you go for curettage in the following circumstances:
Abnormal uterine bleeding can be a symptom of various health problems, such as ovulatory dysfunction, ovarian cysts, or some other problems related to impaired functioning of the reproductive system.
By performing curettage, the doctor gets an insight into potential disorders, and stops increased bleeding.
Curettage is also carried out in cases of the doctor’s suspicion of the development of unwanted formations. This includes phenomena such as thickening of the uterine lining, polyps, tumors of the uterine lining and other similar disorders.
When the origin of the development of abnormalities shown on the results of the Pap test is questionable, the doctor may recommend that you go for curettage.
With curettage, we get clear findings and determine whether the development of abnormal cells is present on the body and cervix, which can create a clear diagnosis, but also further treatment procedures.
Curettage is also one of the techniques used to terminate the pregnancy and remove the residual products of pregnancy. This may include the removal of placental tissue, or a retained miscarriage that the body has not spontaneously expelled.
In order for the curettage procedure to go smoothly, the doctor will provide you with detailed guidelines that you must follow during the consultation.
If you decide to use general anesthesia, it is necessary to perform routine preoperative tests such as laboratory blood tests, anesthesiologist examinations, and ECG and KG.
Also, if curettage is performed under general anesthesia, it is necessary not to take food and liquids at least 6 hours before the procedure.
For hygienic and practical reasons, we recommend that you bring insoles with you, due to the possibility of mild bleeding after the procedure.
We recommend that you come to the procedure in comfortable and casual clothes.
Before the procedure begins, the doctor will ask you if you want the procedure to be performed under general or local anesthesia.
Once the anesthesia begins to work, the doctor begins the procedure by widening the cervical canal to facilitate the insertion of the instrument for the further procedure procedure.
Once the uterine canal is dilated, a curette, or vacuum aspirator, is inserted to collect tissue from the uterine lining. The collected tissue is later sent for histopathological analysis.
Curettage usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes, and 1-2 hours after the procedure, you will be released for home care.
Recovery after curettage depends on the complexity of the procedure itself. On the day of the procedure, it is recommended to rest and avoid physical exertion, but you are allowed to return to regular activities on the second day.
Side effects include cramps and mild bleeding that can last up to several days. In case you notice more serious bleeding, accompanied by abdominal pain or discharge, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
In the next two weeks after the procedure, it is necessary to avoid sexual intercourse, the use of tampons, as well as swimming in the pool.
Although curettage is now considered a routine and almost harmless gynecological procedure, we must not exclude the possibility of developing certain complications.
If you notice any of the following complications, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible:
Pain in the abdomen can indicate injuries to the uterine wall, or surrounding pelvic organs
Significant bleeding can be the result of improperly performed curettage, which is why it is necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible.
The appearance of fever, nausea and pain in the abdomen can indicate the development of a vaginal infection, which is often accompanied by the formation of vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.
Although this phenomenon is difficult to diagnose, it can be suspected by the appearance of frequent pain and cramps, with frequent cases of irregular menstruation. Asherman’s syndrome is manifested by the sudden formation of scar tissue in the uterus, as a result of trauma caused by mechanical movements, and in this case, curettage.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we have gathered a team of experts in the field of gynecology who will make sure that your pregnancy goes without any disturbances and unnecessary complications.
We especially nurture interaction with clients and try to provide answers to all the worries and fears you have related to pregnancy.
Make an appointment today by calling +3851 2444 646 or fill out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.