Dilation and curettage
gynecologic procedure
Dilation (or dilatation) and curettage (D&C) is a medical procedure that dilates (widens or opens) the cervix and surgically removes tissue from the lining of the uterus by scraping or scooping (curettage). The D&C gynecologic procedure is used for treatment, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
D&C can be used to end an unwanted pregnancy or to remove the remains of a non-viable fetus. It can also be used to remove the placenta after childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. D&C is a commonly used method for first trimester abortion or miscarriage. D&C can also be used to remove tissue from the uterus for diagnostic purposes.
D&C normally refers to a procedure involving a curette, also called sharp curettage. However, some sources use the term D&C to refer to any procedure that involves the processes of dilation and removal of uterine contents which includes the more common suction curettage procedures of manual and electric vacuum aspiration.
Clinical uses
D&Cs may be performed in pregnant and non-pregnant patients, for different clinical indications. Such examples are for early abortion, removing the remains of a non-viable pregnancy or retention of placenta from a pregnancy loss/abortion.
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