Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Overview

A dilatation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure used to remove the uterine (womb) lining of women. The cervix (neck) of the uterus (womb) is dilated with the use of a dilator. If necessary, the endometrium (uterine lining) or uterine contents are removed and submitted to a laboratory for analysis.

The technique can be used on either pregnant or non-pregnant women and can be diagnostic or therapeutic. Occasionally, circumstances cause the two to overlap, and the diagnostic method becomes therapeutic. This surgical technique or medical care would be administered to a pregnant patient desiring a first trimester (14 weeks) elective termination or management of a missed, incomplete, or unavoidable abortion.