Diagnostic dilation and curettage: a reappraisal.
Diagnostic dilation and curettage (D & C) is widely considered to be the method of choice for obtaining samples of endometrium for histologic examination, although the scientific basis for this assumption is elusive. Despite extensive use of D & C, the tissue yield and diagnostic accuracy of this technique have not been adequately evaluated. More is known about these features of a newer diagnostic procedure, Vabra aspiration (VA). VA also appears to be safer, less expensive, and more convenient than D & C. Until the alleged benefits of diagnostic D & C can be shown to outweigh its risks and costs (approaching one billion dollars per year in the United States alone), D & C probably should not be the primary procedure used for obtaining most samples of endometrium.
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008796:Metrorrhagia / Q000628:therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D014619:Vacuum Curettage / Q000191:economics