Curettage is a medical procedure that involves scraping the lining of a cavity—most commonly the uterus—using a curette, sometimes combined with suction
Why is curettage done?
Curettage, often as part of a D&C, is done to diagnose or treat conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, to remove tissue after a miscarriage or abortion, or to clear the uterine lining
Sometimes doctors pair it with a hysteroscopy to check abnormal bleeding or snip out polyps. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says it’s also used for incomplete miscarriages and spotting uterine issues. You’ll bounce back in a few days, but skip sex and tampons for at least a week.
What is a curettage in medical terms?
Medically, curettage is the removal of tissue using a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette, often from the uterine lining during a D&C
Think of it as scraping—literally. The word comes from the French “to scrape.” Usually the cervix gets dilated first to let the curette in. Mayo Clinic calls it both a diagnostic tool and a treatment—doctors can examine the tissue under a microscope or yank out abnormal growths.
Is curettage and Electrodesiccation painful?
Curettage combined with electrodesiccation can cause mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bleeding at the treatment site
Discomfort usually fades fast and you can handle it with regular ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The American Cancer Society says it’s generally safe, but scarring or slow healing can pop up in rare cases. Ice packs and gentle cleaning help you heal quicker.
Are you intubated with general anesthesia?
You are intubated when receiving general anesthesia because the drugs paralyze breathing muscles, requiring a ventilator to maintain oxygen flow
Once the anesthesia wears off and you’re breathing on your own, the breathing tube comes out—called extubation. The American Society of Anesthesiologists says intubation keeps your airway safe and guarantees steady oxygen during surgery.
What kind of anesthesia is used for colonoscopy?
Most colonoscopies use moderate or deep sedation with propofol, administered by an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
You’ll drift off and probably won’t remember a thing. The American Gastroenterological Association admits you can do it with mild sedation, but propofol is the go-to for comfort and memory loss.
Is propofol used for D&C?
Yes, propofol is commonly used to provide sedation during a dilation and curettage (D&C)
It kicks in fast and wears off fast—perfect for outpatient surgery. UpToDate calls it ideal because you wake up quickly and can head home the same day.
Are you intubated for D&C?
Intubation is not routine for a D&C unless you receive general anesthesia with muscle relaxants
If you’re getting local or light sedation, you’ll breathe on your own. Johns Hopkins Medicine says breathing tubes are only used for full general anesthesia, which is typical for miscarriage cleanup or tricky biopsies.
What anesthesia is used for D&C?
Most dilation and curettage procedures use general anesthesia, though local or twilight sedation may be options depending on the situation
General anesthesia knocks you out completely so you feel nothing during the quick procedure. ACOG says most patients head home the same day and feel normal within hours.
What are the side effects of anesthesia?
Common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, sore throat (if intubated), dizziness, and temporary confusion
Serious but rare issues can include allergic reactions or trouble breathing. Mayo Clinic suggests resting for a full day, skipping the wheel for 24 hours, and chugging water to flush the drugs out. Always mention past medication bad reactions to your doctor.
Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
