Curettage and dilatation, also known as dilation and curettage (D&C), is a medical procedure used primarily in gynecology to diagnose and treat various conditions of the uterus. It involves two key steps: dilatation and curettage.
Dilatation refers to the widening or enlargement of a narrow or constricted passage, in this case the cervix or the opening of the uterus. This is achieved using specialized instruments such as dilators or laminaria, which gradually open up the cervix to allow access to the uterus.
Curettage, on the other hand, involves the removal of tissue from the uterine lining or cavity using a curette. A curette is a spoon-shaped instrument that is inserted through the dilated cervix into the uterus, allowing the healthcare provider to scrape or suction off the tissue. This tissue sample can then be examined under a microscope for diagnosis or sent to a laboratory for further testing.
Curettage and dilatation may be performed for various reasons, such as to diagnose or treat conditions like abnormal uterine bleeding, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, or to remove products of conception after a miscarriage or abortion. It can also be used as a therapeutic procedure to remove abnormal or cancerous tissue from the uterus.
This procedure is typically done under anesthesia, either general or local, to ensure patient comfort. It is important to note that while D&C is generally considered safe, there are potential risks and complications associated with the procedure, such as infection, injury to the uterus or cervix, or uterine perforation. Therefore, it should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals in a sterile and controlled environment.
