Type of Surgery
Information

Last updated: 11/24/2009
D & C is usually performed under general anesthesia, although local or epidural anesthesia can also be used.
Local anesthesia lessens risk and costs, but the woman will feel cramping during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used...
often depends upon the reason for the D & C.
During the procedure (which takes only minutes to perform), the doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum to hold open the vaginal walls, and then stretches the opening of the uterus (the cervix) by inserting a series of tapering rods, each thicker than the previous one, or by using other specialized instruments. This process of opening the cervix is called dilation.
Once the cervix is dilated, the physician inserts a spoon-shaped surgical device called a curette into the uterus. The curette is used to scrape away the uterine lining. One or more small tissue samples from the lining of the uterus or the cervical canal are sent for analysis by microscope to check for abnormal cells.
Although simpler, less expensive techniques such as a vacuum aspiration are quickly replacing the D & C as a diagnostic method, it is still often used to diagnose and treat a number of conditions.
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This 2D animation shows what occurs during a dilation and curettage. This procedure, referred to as a D & C, is a way in which gynecologists and gynecological surgeons can both diagnose and treat diseases of the endometrium (interior lining of the uterus).
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Other Information
Dilation (dilatation) and curettage literally refers to the dilation (opening) of the cervix and surgical removal of the contents of the uterus. It is a therapeutic gynecological procedure as well as a rarely used method of first trimester abortion. It is commonly referred to as a D&C.
D&C normally refers to a procedure involving a curette, also called sharp curettage. 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.
Other Information
An obstetrician/gynecologist, commonly abbreviated as OB/GYN, can serve as a primary physician and often serve as consultants to other physicians.
From: womenshealthchannel.com
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