In this article we will talk about a well-known therapeutic-diagnostic gynecological procedure - scraping or cleaning the uterus. We will tell you how the uterus is cleansed, what can be the indication for the appointment of this procedure, are there any complications after cleaning the uterus and how should the uterus be restored after cleaning?
Cleaning the uterine cavity
Scraping or cleaning the uterus for several decades was one of the most popular diagnostic methods in gynecology. Scraping can be diagnostic - to obtain scrapings - materials for laboratory testing, or therapeutic. To date, diagnostic treatment is rarely prescribed. It is increasingly replaced with safer hysteroscopy, but curative scraping is now popular, as in previous years.
The reasons for purging the uterus can be:
- development of myomatous nodes;
- pathological processes in the endometrium;
- suspected malignant neoplasm;
- bleeding. In recent years, cleaning the uterus for bleeding is becoming less common, but several years ago this method was quite popular;
- endometrial hyperplasia ;
- polyps;
- treatment of complications after childbirth or abortion;
- Preparing for surgery to remove fibroids.
In fact, scraping is the removal of the upper, functional layer of the uterine mucosa.
If the scraping of the uterus is carried out in a planned, rather than an emergency, procedure is done before the start of menstruation. This is done in order to minimize the negative impact of mechanical damage to the mucous uterus, because menstruation is the process of tearing off the upper layer of the mucosa, and therefore, akin to a curettage process.
To improve control of the operation, gynecologists use a hysteroscope, which is inserted into the uterine cavity during surgery.
Cleaning of the uterus: consequences
The difficulty of carrying out this procedure is not only in the need for careful and accurate administration, because the slightest negligence or rudeness can damage the walls of the uterus and lead to undesirable consequences, in particular, perforation of the walls of the uterus. The case is also that the uterine cavity is difficult enough to scrape completely. Some sites remain practically inaccessible to manipulation, and in fact it is in such areas that the development of various pathological processes is most often observed.
Several days after the procedure, a woman may have minor bloody discharge (smearing). They can last up to 10 days. If there are no excreta, but there are abdominal pains - you should immediately consult a doctor. Perhaps the cervix is spasmodic and a hematoma formed there - blood accumulated in the uterine cavity.
There is also the possibility of developing inflammation, myomatous nodes, development of uterine adhesions or exacerbation of chronic diseases.
If you notice a fever and pain after cleaning the uterus - consult a doctor.
What to do after cleaning the uterus?
As prevention of cervical spasm, drotaverine (no-shpa) is prescribed for 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. Also after the operation, a course of antibiotics is prescribed (not too long). This is done to prevent inflammation of the uterine cavity.
The patient is also shown rest, whenever possible, it is desirable to minimize physical activity.
In general, scraping is a fairly safe procedure, the effectiveness of which has been tested for years. But, as in the case with any other medical procedures, the most important thing is to choose a highly qualified and accurate specialist for it.