Curette is a surgical instrument used for scraping or removing tissue from cavities, such as the uterus or the nasal passages. The word is pronounced /kjuːˈrɛt/ (kyoo-ret) with the emphasis placed on the second syllable. The first syllable "cu" is pronounced as "kyoo," which sounds like the word "cue." The second syllable "rette" is pronounced as "ret," which sounds like the word "wet." The word "curette" comes from the French word "curette," which means "scraper."
A curette, also known as a curet, is a surgical instrument widely utilized in medical and dental procedures. It is specifically designed with a spoon-shaped or looped tip at the end, primarily employed for scraping or scooping away tissues, debris, or abnormal growths from body cavities, surfaces, or hollow organs.
In medical settings, curettes are commonly deployed during procedures such as biopsies, where they aid in the removal of tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. They are also utilized in the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis as dental curettes to remove plaque, calculus, and diseased soft tissues from the teeth and gums. Additionally, curettes play a critical role in various gynecological procedures, facilitating the removal of tissue or abnormal growths from the uterus lining or cervix.
The design and material composition of curettes can vary, with stainless steel being a popular choice due to its durability and ease of sterilization. Some curettes have sharp edges, enabling precise scraping or cutting actions, while others have more rounded tips for gentler tissue removal. To ensure patient safety and prevent tissue damage, care must be taken when handling and using curettes, as excessive force or incorrect technique can lead to unintended injury.
In conclusion, a curette is a versatile surgical instrument used to scrape or scoop tissues, debris, or abnormal growths from body surfaces, cavities, or organs. Its wide range of medical and dental applications makes it an essential tool in various diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures.
1. An instrument in the form of a loop, ring, or scoop, with sharpened edges, attached to a rod-shaped handle, employed to scrape the interior of a cavity for the removal of new growths or altered tissues. 2. To employ a curette.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "curette" has its origins in the Latin word "curatus" or "curare", which means "to cleanse" or "to cure". It is derived from the verb "cura", which means "care" or "attention". The term "curette" specifically refers to a surgical instrument that is used to scrape and remove tissue or debris from a body cavity, such as during a medical or dental procedure.