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Sexual Health Centre
Abortion |
Dilation and
Evacuation
What is it?
This is a procedure done later
in pregnancy. A Dilation and Evacuation opens the cervix and removes the
contents of the uterus using suction and instruments. It usually requires
a visit to the clinic on the day prior to the surgery to begin to dilate
(widen) the cervical opening.
The surgery is done with a
local anesthetic although
other drugs may also be given to help a woman relax. During the procedure,
the cervix is dilated to allow the surgical instruments to pass into the
uterus. Then, surgical instruments and mechanical suction are used to
remove tissue from the uterus.
A general anesthetic can be given up to 23 weeks and six days.
Women having dilation and
evacuation abortions should have someone accompany them to the clinic
or hospital and help them get home. Normal activities can be resumed in
the next day or two. However, it may take up to a week for a full recovery.
A follow-up exam is done a week or two later to make sure the procedure
is complete.
Advantages
- this is the only procedure
available for doing abortions well into the second trimester
Disadvantages
- riskier than the other procedures
described; it is easier to cause damage to the uterus with later sized pregnancy
- abdominal cramping and pain
are common; most women recover quickly but cramps may continue for up
to a week following the procedure
- menstrual-like bleeding
possible for up to two weeks after procedure
- full recovery may take up
to a week
- it is often a two or three day procedure
with small dilators being inserted into the cervix the day before the
procedure to begin opening the uterus; the dilators can cause cramping, bleeding
and nausea in some women
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