Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a medical procedure that involves dilating or widening the cervix and scraping the uterine lining in order to remove tissue from the uterus. The term "D&C" is an abbreviation derived from the words "dilation" and "curettage."
Dilation refers to the process of widening or enlarging the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. This can be achieved by using various methods, such as medical instruments, medication, or a combination of both. The purpose of dilation is to allow access to the uterus for the subsequent step of curettage.
Curettage involves the removal of tissue from the lining of the uterus using a curette, which is a spoon-shaped surgical instrument. During the procedure, the healthcare provider gently scrapes the uterine wall to remove any abnormal tissue, such as polyps, fibroids, or to treat conditions like abnormal uterine bleeding, miscarriage, or incomplete abortion.
D&C is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient setting, and it may be done under local or general anesthesia depending on the circumstances and patient's comfort. The procedure usually takes approximately 15-30 minutes, although it can vary depending on the reason for the D&C and individual factors.
After the D&C, it is common for patients to experience mild cramping, bleeding, or spotting. However, serious complications are rare. The recovery time varies from person to person, but most individuals can resume their normal activities within a few days.
Overall, dilation and curettage is a medical procedure used to examine and treat certain conditions of the uterus by dilating the cervix and scraping the uterine lining to remove tissue.
