C Dilatation and curettage
Dilatation and curettage (D & C) involves dilation of the cervix and scraping of the endometrial lining of the uterus. The procedure is done to diagnose and treat uterine bleeding, cervical lesions, or stenosis. D & Cs are also used to complete an incomplete or missed abortion and are then referred to as suction D & Cs with the gestational week.
2. Preoperative assessment and patient preparation
a) History and physical examination: Assess for any cardiac, respiratory, neurologic, or renal abnormalities. Assess for a history of hiatal hernia or reflux; if a suction D & C, assess the gestational week; if greater than 16 weeks, consider the patient to have a full stomach.