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Jersey Gynae Clinic

Day-case surgery

Suction curettage (ERPC)

A short, gentle operation to empty the womb after an incomplete miscarriage, retained pregnancy tissue, or for some other gynaecological reasons.

  • At hospital
  • 15–30 minutes
  • General anaesthetic
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Overview

About this procedure.

Suction curettage, also known as ERPC (Evacuation of Retained Products of Conception), is a short, gentle day-case operation. It is most often used to complete a miscarriage where conservative or medical management has not been successful, or where surgical management is preferred from the start.

You will be looked after with sensitivity throughout the process. Mr Orabi or a member of the team will discuss what was found and what comes next, with a follow-up appointment offered to talk through everything calmly.

Setting

At hospital

Duration

15–30 minutes

Anaesthetic

General anaesthetic

Indications

What it's for.

  • Incomplete miscarriage where tissue remains in the womb

  • Missed miscarriage following non-surgical management

  • Retained products of conception after delivery

  • Removal of selected molar pregnancies

On the day

How it's done.

  1. Procedure performed under general anaesthetic

  2. The cervix is gently opened with a small dilator

  3. A soft suction tube is passed into the womb to empty its contents

  4. Tissue removed is sent for laboratory examination where appropriate

  5. No external incisions; you will not have any visible scars

Recovery

After your procedure.

  • Most patients go home the same day

  • Light bleeding for one to two weeks is normal

  • Period-like cramping for a few days

  • Avoid sex, tampons and swimming until bleeding has settled

  • Emotional recovery often takes longer than physical recovery

Benefits

Why this approach.

  • Definitive treatment in a short procedure

  • Reliable in selected cases where conservative or medical management has not worked

  • Tissue can be tested if needed

Risks

What to be aware of.

  • Bleeding
  • Infection (endometritis)
  • Incomplete evacuation requiring a second procedure (uncommon)
  • Asherman's syndrome / intrauterine adhesions (rare)