D & C
Dilation and Curettage (D & C) is a minor surgical procedure often performed on women to diagnose and treat certain conditions related to the uterus. It involves dilating the cervix and scraping the uterine lining with a curette.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The D & C procedure is typically performed under anesthesia. The cervix is dilated using a series of progressively larger dilators. Once the cervix is sufficiently dilated, a curette is inserted into the uterus to scrape away the uterine lining. The tissue removed is often sent to a lab for examination.
Uses[edit | edit source]
D & C is used for a variety of reasons. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as uterine cancer or endometrial hyperplasia, to treat conditions such as polyps or fibroids, or to remove tissue following a miscarriage or abortion.
Risks[edit | edit source]
While D & C is generally considered safe, it does carry some risks. These can include infection, hemorrhage, perforation of the uterus, and scarring of the uterine lining.
Alternatives[edit | edit source]
There are several alternatives to D & C, including hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy, and medical abortion.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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