A retrospective study of diagnostic dilatation and curettage at King Hussein Medical Center

Abstract EN

Objectives : To determine indications for diagnostic dilatation and curettage at King Hussein Medical Center, and to assess the need for this procedure in patients below the age of 401.

Methods : A retrospective study of 430 cases who underwent diagnostic D and C during 1997 ; at King Hussein Medical Center, were included.

The records of these patients were reviewed to achieve the study objectives.

Results : The mean age of patients was 44.1 years, with a range of (19-85) years.

About one third of the patients were below the age of 40.

The indications for the procedure were : Postmenopausal bleeding in 14.2 %, menorrhagia in 29.5 %, heavy irregular periods in 38.4 %, asymptomatic endocervical polyp in 4 %, single episodes of vaginal bleeding in 5.3 %, and other indications including intermenstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea in 8.6 %.

Conclusion: Pathological findings are unlikely below the age of 40.

Patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding should receive medical treatment before proceeding to dilatation and curettage.