what is a d&c surgery

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and a special instrument is used to remove tissue from inside the uterus. A D&C may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as to remove tissue in the uterus during or after a miscarriage or abortion, to remove small pieces of placenta after childbirth, or to diagnose or treat abnormal uterine bleeding. During the procedure, the cervix is dilated, and a curette is used to scrape the uterine lining. The procedure can be done in a doctors office, an outpatient clinic, or a hospital, and the type of anesthesia used will depend on the specific procedure being performed. After the procedure, patients may experience side effects such as cramping, bleeding, and discomfort, which can be managed with medication. Rarely, a D&C can result in the development of scar tissue in the uterus, a condition known as Ashermans syndrome, which can lead to unusual, absent, or painful menstrual cycles, future miscarriages, and infertility.