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D & C D & C are initials that stand for "Dilatation & Curettage". This procedure is performed in the operating room. In this case, we are dilating the cervical os or "opening of the uterus". Once the cervix is dilated, we then use the curette (spoon shaped instrument) to scrape the wall of the uterus and remove some of the endometrium or lining of the uterus. Once this tissue is obtained, it can be sent to the pathologist for examination. Dilatation can be carried out in many ways. If the patient is having a miscarriage, the cervix may already be dilated as a result of the process of miscarriage. More commonly, one uses a set of "dilators". These are usually a set of rods of varying sizes. One starts with a small one and introduces it through the cervix. Then you just keep inserting the next larger size until you have slowly increased the opening to the desired size. Alternatively, one can use a product called "Laminaria Tents" to dilate the cervix. One or more are inserted into the cervix and left in place for a period of time. They absorb moisture from the surrounding tissue and slowly expand, dilating the cervix. Once the cervix is dilated, the interior of the uterus can be accessed by a multitude of "curettes" depending on the reason for and the needs of the procedure. In the standard D & C, a uterine curette is inserted into the uterine cavity and the wall of the cavity is scraped. The material scraped away from the wall can then be sent for pathological examination. Why have a D&C?
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