Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a brief surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and a special instrument is used to scrape the uterine lining. A D&C may be performed to help diagnose or treat growths such as fibroids, polyps, hormonal imbalances, or uterine cancer or to remove tissue in the uterus during or after a miscarriage or to remove small pieces of placenta after childbirth to help prevent infection or heavy bleeding.