Uterine fibroids are also known as uterine leiomyoma or fibroids. A fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) smooth muscle tumor of the uterus. Large fibroids can push the bladder hard. This causes a frequent need to urinate. In some cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus too much. The expanded uterus can reach the rib cage.
Uterine fibroids can grow at a rapid pace during pregnancy. This is because of the increased levels of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) brought about by pregnancy. Symptoms include painful or heavy menstrual period, constipation, backaches, leg pains, pelvic pressure/pains and menstrual periods that last more than a week.
The condition can be managed with a healthy lifestyle, medications, and surgery. Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is one of the known surgeries to remove the growths in the uterus.
Dilation and Curettage
D&C is a gynecological procedure. It is done by widening or opening the cervix (dilation), and surgically removing the part of the lining of the uterus. This is done by scraping and scooping the contents of the uterus. The contents are then sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
D&C is performed to diagnose gynecological problems. This includes abnormal uterine bleeding. The procedure is also done to remove polyps and uterine fibroids or tumors.
Uterine leiomyoma can be successfully removed with D&C. This is because this is a procedure that scrapes off the lining of the uterine wall. Any polyps, masses and growths in the lining will be swept and scooped by the curette.
The fibroids are removed using a curette. It is a long tool that has a handle on one end and a loop on the other end. In some cases, a suction curette is used. This is like a small vacuum that sucks the uterine leiomyoma.
How Is It Done?
The patient is typically put under a monitored anesthesia care. The doctor will then dilate the cervix. For the next step, the curette will be inserted into the uterus. The curette used can either be the scraper or the suction. This depends on the physical condition of the woman undergoing the procedure.
The curette is used to gently scrape the uterine lining. This will then remove any abnormal tissues found in the uterus.
Is it a good idea to have uterine fibroids removed with this type of procedure?
Yes it is a good idea to undergo the procedure. This is for women who want to remove their fibroids in preparation for getting pregnant. This is because getting pregnant would be difficult otherwise. Doctors also recommend D&C because it does not have an adverse effect on fertility.
Surgical removal of fibroids is not known to trigger allergic reactions in patients.
Fibroids that are large in size are best to be removed with D7C. This will help relieve pain and pressure right away. Removing the fibroids as soon as possible can save you from experiencing severe problems in the future. This is recommended also for women who are middle-aged, or those in their 40s and 50s.
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