Today, one of the most frequently performed small gynecological operations is endometrial curettage. This intervention can be carried out both for medical and diagnostic purposes.
As a result of this operation, the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity is removed, but not all, but only the functional layer. Recovery of the endometrium after curettage occurs from its germ layer, which remains after curettage.
From the beginning of the cycle, the uterine mucosa changes and thickens, preparing for the possible implantation of an embryo. If pregnancy does not occur, then it is rejected and menstruation occurs. In the next cycle, everything repeats again. In fact, endometrial curettage is similar to menstruation, however, it is performed instrumentally. Usually, they try to carry out planned manipulations a few days before bleeding. If they are performed at the beginning or middle of the cycle, then there may be prolonged spotting. During menstruation, surgery is also impossible, since the scraping obtained during this period will be uninformative due to necrotic changes in the rejected mucosa.
The operation begins from the cervical canal also to the germ layer. The resulting material and the endometrium after curettage are sent for histological examination separately. The result of this study is ready in two weeks. It must be taken and shown to the attending gynecologist.
Today, endometrial curettage is increasingly carried out under the control of hysteroscopy. Without it, manipulation is carried out virtually blindly. Using a hysteroscope, the doctor first examines the uterine cavity, then performs curettage, and after it again controls its work. The use of modern equipment can reduce the likelihood of injuries and complications in patients.
Curettage is carried out with the following objectives:
- get material for histology;
- remove polyps or synechia.
Before manipulation, you must pass the following studies:
- general tests of urine and blood;
- ECG;
- therapist consultation;
- smears for cytology and flora;
- blood biochemistry;
- coagulogram;
- FLU;
- determine the rhesus factor and blood group;
- find out the level of sugar;
- make an ultrasound;
- tested for hepatitis, syphilis, HIV.
Today, even many state hospitals perform this operation under good intravenous anesthesia. However, the result is worth it.
The patient easily falls asleep and wakes up right in the operating room. Then she is taken on a gurney to the ward, where she can still sleep. An hour later she is allowed to start drinking and sitting. After two, she can already get up and eat, and after three she goes home.
Much depends on the qualifications of the anesthetist. However, after such anesthesia there is no nausea, headache, the person is almost conscious. Sensations such as if a person was awakened after a deep sleep, he may not remember something.
Curettage - the operation is quite simple, it takes 20 minutes. However, after it there may still be some complications:
- uterine perforation;
- uterine inflammation;
- hematometer (cervical spasm and accumulation of blood in the uterus);
- excessive curettage.
But they rarely occur. As a prevention of inflammation, the doctor will most likely prescribe a course of antibiotics. Normally, after the intervention, there may be bleeding for several hours, so it is necessary to take pads with you. About a week there may be spotting.
Thus, endometrial curettage is one of the most common and comfortable gynecological operations, especially if a qualified gynecologist and anesthetist participate in it. The use of hysteroscopy will significantly reduce the risk of complications and injuries.