Dilation (or dilatation) and curettage (D&C) refers to the
gynecologic procedure used for treatment and removal as well as diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and is the most commonly used method for First-Trimester Abortion or miscarriage.[1][2][3][4]
D&C normally refers to a procedure involving a curette, also called sharp curettage.[2] However, some sources use the term D&C to refer to any procedure that involves the processes of dilation and removal of uterine contents,or life or former life inside which includes the more common suction curettage procedures of manual and electric vacuum aspiration.[5]
Clinical uses
D&Cs may be performed in pregnant and non-pregnant patients, for different clinical indications. Such examples are for Early Abortion, Removing the remains of a non-viable pregnancy or retention of placenta from a pregnancy loss/abortion. Treatment of menopause induced anomalies with menstrual cycle.g
During pregnancy or postpartum
A D&C may be performed early in pregnancy to remove pregnancy tissue, either in the case of a non-viable pregnancy, such as a
are safe, non-invasive and potentially less expensive alternatives to D&C.
Because medication-based non-invasive methods of abortion now exist, dilation and curettage has been declining as a method of abortion, although suction curettage is still the most common and preferred method to ensure complete removal of remains as the method is a completed process used for termination of a First-Trimester Pregnancy.[7][8] The World Health Organization recommends D&C with a Sharp Curette as a method of surgical abortion ONLY when manual vacuum aspiration with a suction curette is unavailable.[9]
For patients who have recently given birth, a D&C may be indicated to remove retained placental tissue that does not pass spontaneously or for postpartum hemorrhage.[10]
Non-pregnant patients
D&Cs for non-pregnant patients are commonly performed in tandem with Hysteroscopy another diagnostic procedure, for the diagnosis of gynecological conditions usually involving abnormal bleeding; during menopause or with various abnormal structures growing within the uterus
Hysteroscopy is a valid alternative or addition to D&C for many surgical indications, from diagnosis of uterine pathology to the removal of fibroids and even retained tissue of Pregnancy . It allows direct visualization of the inside of the uterus and may allow targeted sampling and removal of tissue inside the uterus.[13]