dilatation and curettage

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Explanation of "Dilatation and Curettage"

Definition: "Dilatation and curettage," often shortened to D&C, is a medical procedure. It involves two main steps: 1. Dilatation: This means to widen or open up. In this context, it refers to the doctor gently opening the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). 2. Curettage: This is the process of scraping the lining of the uterus with a special instrument called a curette.

Summary

"Dilatation and curettage" is a surgical procedure used primarily in gynecology. It involves widening the cervix and scraping the lining of the uterus to diagnose or treat various conditions.

Academic

Noun

1. a surgical procedure usually performed under local anesthesia in which the cervix is dilated and the endometrial lining of the uterus is scraped with a curet; performed to obtain tissue samples or to stop prolonged bleeding or to remove small tumors or to remove fragments of placenta after childbirth or as a method of abortion

Synonyms

• dilation and curettage
• D and C