gynaecology
Abrasion/curettage
It is used to remove an undeveloped pregnancy (missed abortion, “hollow egg”) ; terminate an unwanted pregnancy ; remove a polyp ; diagnose pre-cancerous and cancerous diseases (in the case of a “bad” pap smear/ colposcopy/ biopsy), bleeding or ultrasonographic evidence of a thick uterine lining at menopause.
Abrasion is one of the most common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in gynaecological practice. It is used to remove an undeveloped pregnancy (missed abortion, “hollow egg”) ; terminate an unwanted pregnancy ; remove a polyp ; diagnose pre-cancerous and cancerous diseases (in the case of a “bad” pap smear/ colposcopy/ biopsy), bleeding or ultrasonographic evidence of a thick uterine lining at menopause. It is most commonly performed under short-term intravenous anaesthesia using a special instrument called a curette, or with a vacuum cannula. The aim is to ‘clear’ the contents of the uterine cavity. The removed material is sent for histopathological examination.
It is necessary to stop food intake at least 6 hours before the manipulation.
After the manipulation, you will remain under observation for a few more hours until you are fully awakened from the anaesthetic. In the absence of complaints, you will be discharged with recommendations for management from your attending physician.