Gynecology General Gynecology

Dilation and curettage Wikipedia

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a gynaecology|gynaecological procedure performed on the female reproductive system often as a form of abortion. The procedure involves dilating the cervix and inserting instruments to clean out the lining of the uterus, which usually includes among other things a developing fetus, while the woman is under an anaesthetic.
A curettage is performed with a curette, a metal rod with a handle on one end and a sharp loop on the other.

D&Cs are most commonly performed for the purposes of abortion, but this is far from the only reason that one may be performed. Other typical reasons for a D&C are to resolve abnormal uterine bleeding (too much, too often or too heavy a menses|menstrual flow); to remove the excess uterine lining in women who have conditions such as PCOS which cause a prolonged buildup of tissue with no natural period to remove it; and to remove uterine fibroids or other suspected abnormalities such as premalignant cells in their uterine lining.

Other procedures include dilation and evacuation and dilation and extraction. The latter is often referred to as partial-birth abortion.

If the procedure is performed too roughly, scar tissue may form and seal the uterus shut (Asherman's syndrome), resulting in infertility.