Dilatation and curettage, commonly abbreviated as D&C, is a medical procedure primarily used in gynecology to diagnose, treat, or manage various conditions. It involves two main steps: dilatation, which refers to widening or stretching of the cervix, and curettage, which involves the removal of tissue from the uterine lining.
During the dilatation phase, the cervix is carefully opened using a series of progressively larger dilators, ensuring access to the uterine cavity for subsequent procedures. This may involve the use of mechanical dilators, laminaria tents, or medication to help relax and soften the cervix.
The curettage phase of the procedure involves using a curette, a specialized instrument with a sharp-edged, spoon-shaped or loop-shaped tip, to scrape or scoop out tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. This tissue may be sent for further examination to determine the cause of certain gynecological conditions such as abnormal menstrual bleeding, uterine polyps or fibroids, or to confirm the presence of certain cancers.
D&C is also commonly employed in cases of incomplete miscarriages or abortions to remove any remaining fetal or placental tissue. It may also be used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, or to remove abnormal tissue growth within the uterus.
Leaders in the medical field perform D&C in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, or outpatient surgical centers, using local anesthetics, sedation, or general anesthesia to minimize pain or discomfort for the patient. As with any medical procedure, potential risks and complications, such as infection, uterine perforation, or scarring, should be discussed thoroughly with a healthcare professional before undergoing D&C.
