Dilation and Curettage (D and C)

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a common gynecological procedure in which a woman’s cervix is dilated so that a layer of uterine tissue can be removed using a surgical tool called a “curette.” It may be performed for diagnostic purposes and also to treat certain conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding or suspicious cells detected in a Pap test. Women who have experienced a miscarriage, abortion, symptomatic uterine fibroids or benign uterine polyps may also undergo a D&C procedure to clear the uterus entirely. D&C procedures are often paired with hysteroscopy, which is a close examination of the vagina, cervix and uterus that is done using a special lighted instrument with a camera at the end. They are usually performed as outpatient procedures and can be done in the doctor’s office or hospital.