D and C :
Dilatation and curettage is one of the common procedures done in a gynaecology clinic. It is a surgical procedure where cervix of a female is dilated using instruments and a curette (spoon shaped instrument ) is inserted through the dilated cervix to remove any unwanted tissue from the uterus. This can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and most commonly used for first trimester abortions or miscarriage (removing the remains of early abortion, non viable pregnancy or retained products of conception /placenta of previous pregnancy).
As medication based methods of abortion are increasing , D&C are less likely to be used as initial choice of treatment in early abortions. It can be performed under local anesthesia , moderate sedation or general anesthesia depending on the condition of the patient , duration or difficulty in procedure and the doctor and patient counselling. In non pregnant patients it can be used for abnormal uterine bleeding, PCOS, endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids etc.,