Dilatation and curettage (D&C) is a minor surgical procedure where the lining of your womb (uterus), the endometrium, is scraped away.
There are two parts to the procedure (hence the name):
- Dilatation: where the opening to your womb, the cervix, is widened.
- Curettage: where the endometrium is removed using a sharp instrument.
D&Cs are carried out for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. For example, it can be used to help diagnose cancer of the womb, or to remove fibroids. These are non-cancerous tumours that are found in the womb.
D&Cs are often used in combination with a hysteroscope to help diagnose conditions. A hysteroscope is a small flexible camera that is inserted into your uterus.
The procedure is normally carried out under a general anaesthetic and most women will be well enough to return to work after a few days.
D&C is normally a safe and simple operation. Complications, which are rare, include infection and damage caused to the uterus during the procedure.
Uterus
The uterus (also known as the womb) is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman where a baby grows during pregnancy.
Cervix
The cervix is at the lower end of the womb. It connects the womb with the vagina.
Anaesthetic
Anaesthetic is a drug used to either numb a part of the body (local), or to put a patient to sleep (general) during surgery.
