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D and C	D & C - series

D and C

Definition

D and C is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus.

• Dilatation ("D") is a widening of the cervix to allow instruments into the uterus.
• Curettage ("C") is the scraping of the walls of the uterus.

Alternative Names

Dilatation and curettage; Uterus scraping

Description

D and C, also called uterine scraping, may be performed in the hospital or in a clinic while you are under general or local anesthesia.

The health care provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This holds open the vaginal canal. Numbing medicine may be applied to the opening to the uterus (cervix).

The cervical canal is widened using a metal rod, and a curette (a metal loop on the end of a long, thin handle) is passed through the opening into the uterus cavity. The doctor gently scrapes the inner layer of tissue, called the endometrium. The tissue is collected for examination.

Risks

Risks related to D and C include:

• Puncture of the uterus
• Tear of the cervix
• Scarring of the uterine lining

Risks due to anesthesia include:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks of any surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Review Date: 6/26/2008
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.