Evaluating The Role of Incidental Diagnostic Dilation and Curettage In Young Women Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic Sterilization

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1995

Institution/Department

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Journal Title

The Journal of Reproductive Medicine

MeSH Headings

Adult; Age Factors; Dilatation and Curettage (adverse effects); Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Parity; Postpartum Period; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sterilization, Tubal; Uterine Hemorrhage (etiology); Uterine Perforation (etiology)

Abstract

Two hundred twenty-two women undergoing incidental diagnostic dilation and curettage (D&C) at the time of elective laparoscopic tubal ligation were studied retrospectively to ascertain if the risks of a D&C were warranted in a group of young, healthy women with a low risk of endometrial pathology. The endometrial sampling was associated with five uterine perforations and one readmission for bleeding and did not uncover any significant pathology in women under 35. The endocervical curettings did yield pathology of some clinical significance in women of all ages. The risk of uterine perforation was significantly higher in women who were < 15 weeks postpartum. We conclude that in a population of asymptomatic women under the age of 35, a diagnostic D&C is not indicated at the time of elective laparoscopic tubal ligation.

ISSN

0024-7758

First Page

415

Last Page

7

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