Type of Surgery

Information

Doctor Certified

Last updated: 11/24/2009

Description

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.


PREVIOUS:
2. Purpose

Advertisement

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).

Related Videos

Prenatal test - Amniocentesis - Fetal medicine

Animated, narrated slide show that describes how amniotic fluid is sampled during amniocentesis. An ultrasound probe is used to help guide the needle during the procedure.

How an epidural is given during childbirth

Provides a step-by-step graphical description of how an anesthesiologist inserts an epidural prior to delivery of a pregnancy. The epidural provides anesthesia into the epidural space of the spinal cord to block all sensation from the level of the epidural down to the feet. The mother stays conscious, but free from vaginal pain, during the delivery with an epidural.

How the Body Works : The Menstrual Cycle

This narration describes a normal 28 day menstrual cycle. It covers the main hormones that are involved in the release of an egg from the ovary. There is a discussion about how hormones control menstruation if the egg is not fertilized and how they support pregnancy if the egg is fertilized by a sperm.

Endometriosis reference

Occasionally endometrium can grow outside of the womb, causing a painful condition known as endometriosis. This particular video shows how a fluorescent marker is used to identify endometrial tissue, tissue that is sometimes hard to identify. The video is the view through a laparoscope and the shiny areas are endometrial tissue.

For a D & C, the patient lies on her back, and a weighted retractor is placed in the vagina (A). A dilator is used to open the cervix (B), and a curette is used to scrape the inside of the uterus (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.) For a D & C, the patient lies on her back, and a weighted retractor is placed in the vagina (A). A dilator is used to open the cervix (B), and a curette is used to scrape the inside of the uterus (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)




Search

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.


From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilation_and_curettage

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

Find a Qualified Specialist

Looking for a specialist?

Please enter your zip code.