What is a surgical evacuation of uterus?
A surgical evacuation of the uterus involves dilation of the cervix (neck of womb) to allow a wash-out of the contents inside your uterus. This is usually a day surgery procedure performed under general anaesthesia.
A surgical evacuation may be recommended if you have:
- A miscarriage
- Incomplete medical abortion
- Incomplete mid-trimester termination of pregnancy
The steps of the procedure are similar to a surgical abortion, and is generally a safe and commonly done procedure.
Risks of surgical evacuation of uterus include:
Common
- Infection
- Retained pregnancy products: this will require a second procedure to wash out the uterus
Uncommon
- Cervical trauma
- Uterine perforation: this will require a laparoscopy to stop bleeding, check for injuries to surrounding organs e.g. intestines, bladder etc and for additional stitches if needed
- Failed abortion and continuing pregnancy requiring further interventions
- Excessive bleeding requiring blood transfusion
Rare
- Anaesthesia complications
- Asherman’s syndrome (scar tissue formation within womb cavity causing problems with periods and infertility)
- Cervical incompetence: weakening of the neck of the womb leading to problems with subsequent pregnancies
- Death: the risk is approximately less than 3-8 in 100 000
