Dilation and curettage

Uncommon card · No. 106019

Dilation (or dilatation) and curettage (D&C) is a medical procedure that dilates (widens or opens) the cervix and surgically removes tissue or a fetus 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.

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