and a last question (D&E vs D&C)

jessieLMK

my doc explained it right after my miscarriage, but *sarcasm* for some odd reason, i wasnt really listening to her long schpeel. whats the difference between a D&E and a D&C?

 

i got a D&C 

Oatoa

I asked the same question at my follow up appointment because I figured I would be getting a D&C but had a D&E instead.  My answer may be to much information but  I looked it up to make sure I said it right.

D&E refers to the dilation of the cervix and surgical evacuation of the contents of the uterus.  Usually used for those in 2nd tri or if the OB wants to ensure the uterus is fully cleared by using vacuum aspiration.

D&C refers to the dilation of the cervix and surgical removal of part of the lining of the uterus and/or contents of the uterus by scraping and scooping. 

 Hope this helps.

jessieLMK

thank you, that answers a few questions i had in my head.

PiperS

I had a D&E my OB told me that D&C is when they scrape the lining of the uterus either after a natural m/c or for some other reason and D&E is when they have to remove all "contents" after a failed pregnancy. I just took her word and did no further research because it didn't matter to me. I always say I had a D&C though because it seems like more people know what that is.

I was 13wks 3days

Froggy76

I think pp's explained the differences pretty well, but I'll just add that I think the terms are thrown around pretty loosely.  I've read that most D&C's no longer involve the curettage, or scraping part.  I don't know if that's true or not.  Most sites online also say that a D&C is for early losses, and a D&E is for later losses.  However, I had a D&E at less than 9 weeks.  My doc told me that a D&C is for women who are no longer pregnant- maybe she meant that they have m/c'd and there is just some remaining tissue that needs to be scraped out?  Anyway, I think different docs use the terms different ways.