Risks and Complications of Dilation and Curettage

Intraoperative and Post-Procedure Complications

Endoscopists performing fewer than 500 diagnostic procedures are four times more likely to cause uterine perforation than experienced colleagues 1
Fever >100.4°F (38°C) with pelvic pain and purulent discharge indicates endometritis, with risk increasing with retained products of conception and prolonged procedure time 2
Office endometrial biopsy has a 10% false-negative rate; negative biopsy in symptomatic patients requires fractional D&C under anesthesia 3

Hysteroscopy helps evaluate for lesions like polyps in patients with persistent undiagnosed bleeding 3

Soaking through more than one pad per hour for 2 consecutive hours indicates significant blood loss 2
Severe abdominal pain unrelieved by prescribed medication may indicate perforation or infection 2