dilation and curettage
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A minor surgical procedure, typically performed under local or general anesthesia, involving the dilation (widening) of the cervix and the curettage (scraping) of the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.
Usage
This term is used exclusively as a medical noun to refer to the specific surgical procedure. It is often abbreviated as D&C. It is used in clinical, academic, and patient-care contexts.
Examples
- The doctor recommended a dilation and curettage to diagnose the cause of the abnormal uterine bleeding.
- After the miscarriage, she underwent a dilation and curettage to remove any remaining tissue.
- A D&C can be performed for diagnostic purposes or as a treatment.
Advanced Usage
- The procedure is often discussed in contexts of gynecology, obstetrics, and reproductive health.
- It is a standard treatment for incomplete miscarriage, to manage postpartum hemorrhage, or to remove polyps.
Variants and Related Words
- D&C: The common abbreviation for dilation and curettage.
- Dilatation and Curettage: A variant spelling, identical in meaning. ("Dilatation" is an older, synonymous term for "dilation").
- Curettage (n): The act of scraping a body cavity, often used independently.
- Dilation (n): The act of stretching or enlarging an opening.
Synonyms
- Uterine curettage: A more general term.
- Endometrial scraping: A descriptive synonym.
Notes on Meaning
This term refers strictly to the combined two-step surgical procedure. It is not used to describe the individual actions of "dilation" or "curettage" when performed separately for other purposes.
Noun
- 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