Dilation and curettage (D&C)
A dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure that is done to remove tissue from inside the uterus. During a D&C, the vagina is spread open, and a scraping or suction instrument is passed through the cervix and into the uterus to remove tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
A D&C may be done to:
- Remove tissue that remains after a woman has had a miscarriage.
- Remove tissue that may be causing abnormal vaginal bleeding. The tissue can then be examined for any abnormalities.
- End a pregnancy (abortion).
A D&C is usually done in a hospital without requiring an overnight stay. Pain medication is given before the procedure. Many women choose to have a general anesthetic that makes them unconscious during the procedure.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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