Dilation and curettage

Dilation and curettage
D&C
Background
Abortion typeSurgical
First useLate 19th century
Gestation4–12 weeks
Usage
WHO recommends only when manual vacuum aspiration is unavailable
United States1.7% (2003)
Medical notes
Undertaken under heavy sedation or general anesthesia. Risk of perforation. Day-case procedure
Infobox references

Dilation (or dilatation) and curettage (D&C) refers to the dilation (widening or opening) of the cervix and surgical removal of sections and/or layers of the lining of the uterus and or contents of the uterus such as an unwanted fetus (early abortion before 13 weeks), remains of a non-viable fetus, retained placenta after birth or abortion as well as any abnormal tissue which may be in the uterus causing abnormal cycles by scraping and scooping (curettage). It is a gynecologic procedure used for treatment and removal as well as diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and is the most commonly used method for first trimester abortion or miscarriage.[1][2][3][4]

D&C normally refers to a procedure involving a curette, also called sharp curettage.[2] However, some sources use the term D&C to refer 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.[5]

  1. ^ Pazol, Karen; Creanga, Andreea A.; Burley, Kim D.; et al. (November 29, 2013). "Abortion Surveillance – United States, 2010". Surveillance Summaries. 62 (ss08). Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control: 1–44. PMID 24280963. Retrieved 14 January 2014 – via CDC.gov.
  2. ^ a b "Dilation and sharp curettage (D&C) for abortion". WebMD. 2004-10-07. Retrieved 2007-04-29.
  3. ^ Hayden, Merrill (2006-02-22). "Dilation and curettage (D&C) for dysfunctional uterine bleeding". WebMD.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-21. Retrieved 2007-04-29.
  4. ^ Nissl, Jan (2005-01-18). "Dilation and curettage (D&C) for bleeding during menopause". WebMD.com. Retrieved 2007-04-29.
  5. ^ "What Every Pregnant Woman Need to Know About Pregnancy Loss and Neonatal Death". The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby. WebMD. 2004-10-07. Archived from the original on 28 May 2008. Retrieved 2007-04-29.