Dilatation and curettage (D&C)

Dilatation and curettage (D&C) is a minor surgical procedure where tissue is removed from the lining of the womb (uterus). The lining of the womb is known as the endometrium.

What is dilatation and curettage used for?

Dilatation and curettage is a procedure that is carried out by a gynaecologist (a specialist in treating conditions of the female reproductive system).

Dilatation and curettage is sometimes used to help diagnose a condition, and it can also be used for treatment purposes. For example, the procedure can be used to help diagnose cancer of the womb or to remove fibroids (non-cancerous tumours that can sometimes develop inside the womb).

There are two parts to the dilatation and curettage procedure. They are:

• dilatation - where the cervix (the neck of the womb) is dilated (widened)
• curettage - where the endometrium is removed using a sharp instrument

Dilatation and curettage is often used in combination with a hysteroscopy. A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a narrow telescopic device (a hysteroscope) to look inside the womb. The hysteroscope is inserted into the womb, allowing the gynaecologist to check for any abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps (growths of cells).

Outlook

Dilatation and curettage is usually a safe and simple procedure, and associated complications are rare, occurring in less than 5 out of 100 cases. However, possible complications could include:

• infection of the womb
• heavy bleeding
• Asherman's syndrome - where the womb is damaged, resulting in scarring

See Dilatation and curettage - complications for more information about these possible complications.

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.