Dilatation and Curettage
(D&C)

Medical Author: Leon J. Baginski, MD, FACOG
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is dilation and curettage?
• Why is a D&C done?
• What are reasons not to perform a D&C?
• Pre-op: What happens before surgery?
• What anesthesia issues relate to a D&C?
• How and when is a D&C performed?
• What are possible complications of a D&C?
• What is the follow-up to a D&C?
• Why is the D&C procedure becoming less common?

What is dilation and curettage?

Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) is a procedure in which the uterine lining is sampled with a metal device called a curette in order to determine if there is an abnormality with the cells that line the uterus (endometrium). Most commonly, this surgery is done in order to help determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. It can also be done to help determine the degree of abnormality of the endometrium in cases of cancer or pre-cancerous cells that are detected by an in-office biopsy. D&C is also used to evaluate post-menopausal women who have had abnormal cells appear on their pap smears.

Why is a D&C done?

In general, a D&C is used to help determine the health of the uterine lining. Occasionally, the procedure can correct some of the problems in the uterus such as polyps, scar tissue, or overgrowth.

Next: What are reasons not to perform a D&C? »

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