D & C follow-up

Posted by Laura on May 09, 1999 at 15:18:49
I recently had a d & C for an incomplete abortion. I had some complications following the procedure that might have been caught if a follow-up blood test had been performed. Why are blood test for hcg's levels not performed as standard procedure after a d & c ?

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 18, 1999 at 10:24:20
Dear Laura:
Following a D&C for an incomplete abortion, the assumption is that the tissue has been completely removed and the process has resolved. If there are symptoms to suggest different (bleeding, cramping, menses do not return within 3 months, subjective symptoms of patient), then further studies are performed.
The need to follow hCG levels after every miscarriage is unproven and an unnecessary waste of healthcare resources.
Keywords: hCG following D&C
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.