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Medical Encyclopedia

D and C - series: Procedure

D and C - seriesIllustrations: Normal anatomy Indication Procedure Aftercare

D and C or dilatation and curettage (uterine scraping) is a fairly minor surgical procedure. The procedure may be performed in the hospital or in a clinic using general or local anesthesia. The vaginal canal is held open by a speculum and the opening to the uterus (cervix) is anesthetized (not always). The cervical canal is widened (dilated) using a metal rod and a curette (a metal loop on the end of a long thin handle) is then passed through the canal into the uterine cavity. The inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) is scraped away and the tissue is collected for examination.