Home > Encyclopedia of Surgery > Dilatation and Curettage

Definition

Dilatation and curettage (D & C) is a gynecological procedure in which the cervix is dilated (expanded) and the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is scraped away.

Purpose

D & C is used to diagnose and treat heavy or irregular bleeding from the uterus. Possible reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding include:

• Hormonal imbalance. Often women with abnormal bleeding are first treated with hormones in an attempt to normalize bleeding. D & C may be used to determine the cause of bleeding if hormone treatment is ineffective.
• Endometrial polyps. Polyps are benign growths that may protrude from the uterus by a stem or stalk, usually to the endometrium or cervix. D & C may be used to diagnose polyps or to remove them.
• Uterine fibroids. Also called...