Suction curettage

Suction Curettage is a medical procedure primarily used in the field of gynecology to remove tissue from the uterus. This procedure is often used for diagnostic purposes, to treat certain conditions, or as a method of abortion.

Procedure

The procedure of suction curettage involves the dilation of the cervix to allow the insertion of a small tube, or cannula, into the uterus. The cannula is connected to a suction device which removes the tissue from the uterus. The procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia.

Uses

Suction curettage is most commonly used in the first trimester of pregnancy to perform an abortion. It can also be used to treat conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia and polyps, or to remove retained products of conception following a miscarriage or childbirth. In addition, it can be used diagnostically to obtain a sample of endometrial tissue for examination under a microscope.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with suction curettage. These can include infection, bleeding, damage to the cervix or uterus, and complications related to anesthesia. In rare cases, it can lead to Asherman's syndrome, a condition characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the uterus.

Alternatives

Alternatives to suction curettage include medical abortion, which uses medication to end a pregnancy, and dilation and evacuation, a procedure used in the second trimester of pregnancy.

See Also

• Dilation and curettage
• Manual vacuum aspiration
• Hysteroscopy

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