Evaluating the role of incidental diagnostic dilation and curettage in young women undergoing elective laparoscopic sterilization
Varaklis, K.; Stubblefield, P.G.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 40(6): 415-417
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 7650651 Document Number: 450168
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 lt 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.