Health Encyclopedia

D and C

Definition

D and C (dilation and curettage) is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus.

Dilation (D) is a widening of the cervix to allow instruments into the uterus.
Curettage (C) is the scraping of tissue from the walls of the uterus.

Alternative Names

Dilation and curettage; Uterus scraping; Vaginal bleeding - dilation; Uterine bleeding - dilation; Menopause - dilation

Description

D and C, also called uterine scraping, may be performed in the hospital or in a clinic while you are under general or local anesthesia.

The health care provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This holds the vaginal canal open. Numbing medicine may be applied to the opening to the uterus (cervix).

The cervical canal is widened, and a curette (a metal loop on the end of a long, thin handle) is passed through the opening into the uterus cavity. The provider gently scrapes the inner layer of tissue, called the endometrium. The tissue is collected for examination.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

This procedure may be done to:

Diagnose or rule out conditions such as uterine cancer
Remove tissue after a miscarriage
Treat heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, or bleeding between periods
Perform a therapeutic or elective abortion

Your provider may also recommend a D and C if you have:

Abnormal bleeding while you are on hormone replacement therapy
An embedded intrauterine device (IUD)
Bleeding after menopause
Endometrial polyps (small lumps of tissue on the endometrium)
Thickening of the uterus

This list may not include all possible reasons for a D and C.

Risks

Risks related to D and C include:

Puncture of the uterus
Scarring of the uterine lining (Asherman syndrome, may lead to infertility later)
Tear of the cervix

Risks due to anesthesia include:

Reactions to medicines
Problems breathing

Risks of any surgery include:

Bleeding
Infection

After the Procedure

The D and C procedure has few risks. It can provide relief from bleeding and can help diagnose cancer and other diseases.

You may return to your normal activities as soon as you feel better, possibly even the same day.

You may have vaginal bleeding, pelvic cramps, and back pain for a few days after the procedure. You can usually manage pain well with medicines. Avoid using tampons and having sexual intercourse for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.

References

Bulun SE. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 17.

Ryntz T, Lobo RA. Abnormal uterine bleeding: etiology and management of acute and chronic excessive bleeding. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 26.

Williams VL, Thomas S. Dilation and curettage. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 162.

Review Date:4/19/2022
Reviewed By:John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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