What is Endocervical Curettage
Endocervical curettage is a procedure that is used to get a tissue sample from the lining of the endocervical canal. The endocervical canal is thearea between the cervix and the uterus.
The tissue sample is then tested for abnormal cells. This procedure is sometimes done as part of a colposcopy, which is a procedure that examines the cervix, the vagina, and the area around the vaginal opening (vulva) for abnormalities or signs of disease.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
- Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
- Any recent vaginal infections.
- Any recent menstrual periods or bleeding.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Allergic reactions to medicines.
- Damage to the cervix or other organs.
What happens before the procedure?
- For
24 hours before the procedure, or as told by your health care
provider, do not:
- Douche.
- Use tampons.
- Use medicines, creams, or suppositories in the vagina.
- Have sex.
- Ask
your health care provider about:
- Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
- Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood.Do nottake these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
- Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
- You may have a vaginal exam or an ultrasound.
- You may have a blood sample or a sample from your uterus taken.
- You may be asked to empty your bladder just before the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie down on your back with your feet in foot rests (stirrups).
- A lubricated instrument (speculum) will be inserted into your vagina. The speculum will be opened to widen the walls of your vagina so your health care provider can see your cervix.
- A medicine will be applied to numb your cervix and the surrounding area (local anesthetic).
- A curved instrument (curette) will be used to scrape cells from the endocervical canal. The curette will then be removed. The cells will be sent to a lab for testing.
- The speculum will be removed.
- To stop any bleeding, medicines may be put on the area where cells were removed.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- After the procedure, you may have mild cramping and pain. Your health care provider may give you medicines to control this.
- You may have a small amount of vaginal bleeding (spotting). You will need to use a sanitary napkin for this.
- It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.
Summary
- Endocervical curettage is a procedure that is used to get a tissue sample from the lining of the endocervical canal. The tissue sample is then tested for abnormal cells.
- Follow instructions from your health care provider about restrictions before the procedure.
- After the procedure, you may have pain, vaginal bleeding, and mild cramping.
Endocervical Curettage, Care After
This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, it is common to have:
- Some mild cramping and pain. Your health care provider will give you medicines to control this.
- A small amount of vaginal bleeding (spotting) for a few days.
Follow these instructions at home:
Activity
- Limit your physical activity for the first day after the procedure as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
- Do notdouche, use tampons, or have sex for at least 2 weeks, or as told by your health care provider.
General instructions
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. Do not take aspirin. It can cause bleeding.
- Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Take showers instead of baths.
- It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have pain that does not get better with medicine.
- You have abnormal, heavy, or bad smelling vaginal discharge.
- You have a skin rash.
Get help right away if:
- You have heavy vaginal bleeding.
- You have a fever or chills.
- You feel lightheaded, weak, or faint.
- You have shortness of breath.
Summary
- It is common to have mild abdominal cramping and a small amount of vaginal bleeding after the procedure.
- Limit your physical activities for the first day after the procedure. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
- Call your health care provider if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, chills, or shortness of breath.
