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D and C

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

D and C
D and C
D & C  - series
D & C - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

Dilatation and curettage; Uterus scraping

Definition    Return to top

D and C is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus.

Description    Return to top

D and C, also called uterine scraping, may be performed in the hospital or in a clinic while you are under general or local anesthesia.

The health care provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This holds open the vaginal canal. Numbing medicine may be applied to the opening to the uterus (cervix).

The cervical canal is widened using a metal rod, and a curette (a metal loop on the end of a long, thin handle) is passed through the opening into the uterus cavity. The doctor gently scrapes the inner layer of tissue, called the endometrium. The tissue is collected for examination.

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

This procedure may be done to:

Your doctor may also recommend a D and C if you have:

This list may not be all-inclusive.

Risks    Return to top

Risks related to D and C include:

Risks due to anesthesia include:

Risks of any surgery include:

After the Procedure    Return to top

D and C has relatively few risks, can provide relief from bleeding, and can help diagnose infection, cancer, infertility, and other diseases.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

You may return to normal activities as soon as you feel better, possibly even the same day. There may be vaginal bleeding, as well as pelvic cramps and back pain for a few days after the procedure.

Pain can usually be managed well with medications. Tampon use is not recommended for a few weeks, and sexual intercourse is not recommended for a few days.

References    Return to top

Lobo RA. Abnormal uterine bleeding: ovulatory and anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding, management of acute and chronic excessive bleeding. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap. 37.

Casablanca Y. Management of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2008;35(2):219-234.

Update Date: 6/26/2008

Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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