Dilatation & Curettage (D&C)

​Dilatation & curettage (D&C) refers to the dilation (widening/opening) of the cervix and surgical removal of part of the lining of the uterus and/or contents of the uterus by scraping and scooping (curettage). This can be performed using a local anesthetic such as lidocaine or under IV sedation. This is commonly performed for the diagnosis of gynecological conditions leading to abnormal uterine bleeding, to remove any tissue in the uterus that may be causing abnormal uterine bleeding including any retained tissue in the case of a miscarriage, and as a method of pregnancy termination.