Dilation and curettage
Dilation and Curettage
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure often performed after a first-trimester miscarriage. Pronounced as /daɪˈleɪʃən ænd kjuːrɪˈtɑːʒ/, the term originates from the words 'dilation' meaning to open or enlarge, and 'curettage' meaning to scrape or clean.
Procedure
In a D&C, the cervix is dilated or opened, and a thin medical instrument is used to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Uses
Dilation and curettage is used to diagnose or treat certain uterine conditions such as uterine polyps, uterine fibroids, and endometrial hyperplasia. It can also be used to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion.
Risks
Like all surgical procedures, D&C has potential risks. These may include infection, hemorrhage, or perforation of the uterus. There is also a risk of Asherman's syndrome, a condition where scar tissue forms in the uterine cavity.
Related Terms
- Hysteroscopy: A procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding.
- Endometrial biopsy: A procedure in which a small amount of the tissue lining the uterus is removed and examined under a microscope.
- Menorrhagia: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dilation and curettage
- Wikipedia's article - Dilation and curettage
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski