Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a medical procedure that dilates the cervix and surgically removes tissue from the lining of the uterus by scraping or scooping, called curettage. The D&C procedure is used for treatment, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Facts
Partially Attested
Origin YearSource dates the invention of the curette, not the D&C procedure itself; the supplied Wikipedia infobox gives Date_first_use as Late 19th century, which conflicts FAQs
Why is a dilation and curettage performed?
Cleveland Clinic lists clearing the uterus after miscarriage or childbirth and diagnosing or treating irregular bleeding.
Cleveland Clinic says a D&C may be needed to remove tissue from the uterus after a miscarriage, abortion or when parts of the placenta are left in the uterus after childbirth, because the uterus needs to be completely empty after these events due to an increased risk of infection and bleeding. It also says a D&C can be used for diagnosing or treating irregular uterine bleeding, and that it can remove a cyst, polyp or tumor. According to Cleveland Clinic, the provider may send a sample of uterine tissue to a lab for analysis (biopsy).
Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Dilation and Curettage, StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf
Anatomy and PhysiologyQuote, Anatomy and Physiology
Recamier is credited with inventing the first curette in 1843
Dilation and curettage (Wikipedia)
Lead sectionQuote, Lead section
Dilation (or dilatation) and curettage (D&C) is a medical procedure that dilates (widens or opens) the cervix and surgically removes tissue from the lining of the uterus by scraping or scooping (curettage).
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