dilation and curettage

noun

: a medical procedure in which the uterine cervix is dilated and a curette is inserted into the uterus to scrape away the endometrium (as for the diagnosis or treatment of abnormal bleeding or for surgical abortion during the early part of the second trimester of pregnancy) : d&c

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The doctor did perform a dilation and curettage. —Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2020

Given the lower efficacy rate, more patients may choose surgical options, such as a suction dilation and curettage, known as a suction D&C, in which a provider opens the cervix and places a tube inside to remove pregnancy tissue. —Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Mar. 2023

Patients can also opt for a dilation and curettage (D&C). —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2022

After her experience with Susan, Bailey opened up about her own experience needing a D&C [dilation and curettage] after having a miscarriage and her desire to change reproductive health care. —Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 3 Nov. 2022

For example, during an incomplete miscarriage, if the parent’s body cannot evacuate the rest of the tissue on its own, the standard of care can include a process called dilation and curettage (also known as a D&C). —Wired, 7 Aug. 2022

Following the news, Stell asked her doctor for a dilation and curettage procedure (D&C), a surgery to remove the fetus that is also used to abort a living fetus, in order to avoid infection or long-term health issues. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 18 July 2022

Medication abortions accounted for more than half, while 41% were in-clinic dilation and curettage procedures, commonly called D&C. —Sarah Swetlik | [e-mail], al, 6 July 2022

After staunching the bleeding, an obstetrician wanted to perform a procedure called a dilation and curettage — commonly referred to as a D&C — to remove the tissue from the uterus. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 6 May 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dilation and curettage

noun

: a medical procedure in which the uterine cervix is dilated and a curette is inserted into the uterus to scrape away the endometrium (as for the diagnosis or treatment of abnormal bleeding or for surgical abortion during the early part of the second trimester of pregnancy) : D&C