Endocervical curettage
Endocervical curettage (ECC) is a procedure that is used to diagnose diseases of the uterus, or to detect and treat abnormalities of the cervix. It is a type of biopsy that involves scraping cells from the endocervical canal, which is the narrow passageway between the uterus and the vagina.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The procedure is usually performed in a doctor's office or a clinic. The patient is placed in a lithotomy position, similar to the position used for a Pap smear. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open, and a local anesthetic may be applied to the cervix to numb it. The doctor then inserts a small, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette into the endocervical canal and scrapes off a sample of cells.
Indications[edit | edit source]
Endocervical curettage is often performed when a Pap smear shows atypical glandular cells, which may indicate a precancerous condition. It may also be used to diagnose conditions such as endocervical polyps or cervicitis, or to evaluate the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Risks and complications[edit | edit source]
As with any medical procedure, endocervical curettage carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, or damage to the cervix or uterus. In rare cases, the procedure may cause cervical stenosis, a condition in which the cervix narrows or becomes completely closed.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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