Chapter 242 Dilation and Curettage
DESCRIPTION
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is dilation of the uterine cervix with the removal (by scraping) of a portion of the uterine lining or uterine contents. (The same term may be applied to any setting in which a cavity is curetted after gaining entrance through dilation, such as endocervical curettage of a cervical stump.) The procedure may be combined with other diagnostic procedures such as hysteroscopy.
INDICATIONS
Dilation and curettage may be performed for either diagnostic or therapeutic indications. This can range from the control of acute bleeding or an incomplete abortion to the temporary treatment of dysfunctional bleeding. Hysteroscopy and sonohysterography have displaced dilation and curettage as a diagnostic modality in many cases.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Patients who are medically unstable, viable (desired) pregnancy, active pelvic inflammatory disease, blood dyscrasia.
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