Diagnostic curettage of the uterus is also called curettage or gynecological cleaning. This is a procedure that is performed with special tools or using a vacuum system to remove the upper layer of the endometrium, which is then sent for histological examination. Sometimes diagnostic curettage is combined with hysteroscopy to examine the uterine cavity after the procedure.
Preparing for this manipulation
As a rule, diagnostic curettage is carried out several days before menstruation, which reduces blood loss and contributes to a faster recovery of the uterus. It is considered a surgical procedure, therefore, before conducting a woman must pass a general clinical blood test, a coagulogram, a vaginal swab and tests to identify sexually transmitted diseases.
14 days before the procedure, it is advisable not to use any medications. If a woman has pathologies that require constant pharmacological therapy, then medication should be agreed with a doctor.
3 days before the manipulation, sexual intercourse and douching should be avoided. It is forbidden to wash yourself with hygiene products, only warm water can be used during this period. Also, vaginal suppositories, tablets or sprays should not be used. You can’t eat 12 hours before curettage, since eating can make it difficult to anesthetize.
Diagnostic curettage of the uterine cavity: methodology
Before the operation, the bladder and intestines are emptied. The crotch, as well as the external genitalia, is treated with alcohol and iodine solution. The same substances disinfect the vaginal mucosa and cervix and anesthetize. For easier expansion of the cervical canal, antispasmodics are administered 30 minutes before surgery. For anesthesia, adrenaline and novocaine are injected into the cervix and the cervix is dilated using Geghar expanders, starting with the smallest diameter of this instrument.
Diagnostic curettage is performed by curettes. They also come in different sizes. The scraping is collected in a tray, after which it is washed with water from the blood, then lowered into a vial, filled with formaldehyde solution or 96% alcohol and sent to the laboratory.
Indications for diagnostic curettage
This manipulation is performed under the following conditions:
• irregular periods and blood flow between menstruation;
• excessively painful or massive menstruation;
• spotting after menopause;
• infertility;
• suspected malignant tumor in the uterus.
Separate diagnostic curettage is carried out by separate curettage of the cervical canal and the uterine cavity to detect polyps, cervical dysplasia, endometriosis and adhesions. It is also carried out with uterine myoma or with endometrial hyperplasia.
Gynecological cleaning is not carried out for infectious diseases, decompensated pathologies of the heart, kidneys or liver, as well as for diseases of the genital organs.
It is worth noting that curettage can also be carried out for therapeutic purposes in case of a frozen pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy.