an operation in which the cervix (neck) of the uterus is dilated, using an instrument called a dilator, and the lining (endometrium) of the uterus is lightly scraped off with a curette (see curettage). It is performed for a variety of reasons, including the removal of any material remaining after abortion, removal of small tumours, and obtaining a sample of endometrium for histological examination in the diagnosis of gynaecological disorders. Special types of curette to which suction is applied (vabra or suction curettes) may be used to obtain a specimen of endometrium (vabra curettage) or to remove the products of conception in abortion (suction curettage).
Medical dictionary. 2011.