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

Examples of dilation and curettage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As her condition deteriorated, doctors discussed a procedure to empty the uterus called a dilation and curettage, or D&C; the state had recently attached criminal penalties to performing it, with few exceptions. —Ziva Branstetter, ProPublica, 3 Oct. 2024

Thurman needed a dilation and curettage, or D&C, a procedure in which tissue is removed from inside the uterus. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2024

This may occur after a dilation and curettage (D&C) or uterine surgery. —Rachel Gurevich, Parents, 25 July 2024

In that case, a health care provider may recommend a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024

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