Bryan James G.

Punzal

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) Introduction

The dilation and curettage procedure is called a D&C. The D stands for dilation,
which means enlarging. Curettage (the C) means scraping. Together, this
procedure involves expanding or enlarging the entrance of a woman's uterus so that
a thin, sharp instrument can scrape or suction away the lining of the uterus and take
tissue samples.

Today, the procedure is routine and considered safe. It is minor surgery performed
in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center or clinic. D&C is usually a diagnostic
procedure and seldom is therapeutic. It may stop bleeding for a little while (2-6
months), then the prior abnormal bleeding tends to return.

A generation ago, many women were not given this option for so-called female
problems. Instead, they were left with the option of hysterectomy (complete
removal of the uterus/womb) or other major surgery.

Dilation (or dilatation) and curettage (D&C) refers to the dilation

(widening/opening) of the cervix and surgical removal of part of the lining of the
uterus and/or contents of the uterus by scraping and scooping (curettage). It is a
therapeutic gynecological procedure as well as a rarely used method of first
trimester abortion.[1][2]

D&C normally is referred to a procedure involving a curette, also called sharp

curettage.[1] However, some sources use the term D&C to refer more generally to
any procedure that involves the processes of dilation and removal of uterine
contents, which includes the more common suction curettage procedures of
manual and electric vacuum aspiration.[3]

What Is a Dilation and Curettage?

A dilation and curettage (D and C) is a minor surgical healthcare procedure

used to collect scrapings of tissues in the wall of the womb for later
examination under microscope in a laboratory.  This procedure is a tool to
aid diagnostics by your healthcare provider if you are experiencing
troublesome periods or irregular bleeding. 
Who Requires a Dilation and Curretage?

Your healthcare provider will recommend a dilation and curettage if your

periods suffer from various complications and tablets or medicines have not
helped.  X-rays and scans don’t always yield useful diagnostic information,
so a direct microscopic examination of the tissues is essential to analyze
any ailment. 

What Happens in a Dilation and Curretage?

Dilation and curettage is usually performed under a complete (general)

anesthetic, although heavy sedation and local anesthesia is sometimes
permissible.  The surgeon will dilate (stretch) the opening of the neck of
your womb and then insert a special scraping instrument into the body of
the womb.  After collecting a section of the lining, the sample will be sent to
a laboratory for microscopic examination.  A dilation and curettage typically
takes ten minutes and allows you to return home on the same day.  You
will need to rest at home for at least six hours after undergoing a dilation
and curettage.  Your healthcare provider will supply painkillers to manage
any pain you experience, and you will need to wear a sanitary pad for a few
days since there might be slight bleeding from the vagina, like the end of a
period.  When the bleeding stops, you can resume all normal activities.

To compare the cost of dilation and curretage by country, please consult

our medical tourism pricing guide.