dilation
[di-la´shun] 1. the act of dilating or stretching.
3. an increase in the diameter of a circular structure, such as the pupil.
dilation and curettage D and C; expanding of the ostium uteri to permit scraping of the walls of the uterus. See also
abortion.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
dilation and curettage
n. Abbr. D & C A surgical procedure in which the cervix is expanded using a dilator and the uterine lining scraped with a curette, performed for the diagnosis and treatment of various uterine conditions.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
di·la·tion and cu·ret·tage
(D & C) (dī-lā'shŭn kyūr'ĕ-tahzh') Dilation of the cervix and curettement of the endometrium.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
Dilation and curettage (D and C)
A procedure performed under anesthesia during which the cervix is opened more (or dilated) and tissue lining the uterus is scraped out with a metal, spoon-shaped instrument or a suction tube. The procedure can be used to diagnose a problem or to remove growths (polyps).
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.