Curretage

Curettage is a medical procedure involving the removal of tissue from a body cavity or other area using a curette, a surgical instrument with a looped or ring-shaped tip. This technique is employed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, scraping or scooping away unwanted or diseased tissue. It is often performed in gynecology, dermatology, and orthopedics. The procedure requires precision and skill to minimize tissue damage and ensure complete removal of the targeted material. Curettage can be used for various conditions, ranging from removing skin lesions to clearing the uterine lining after a miscarriage. The specific technique and instrument used will vary depending on the area of the body being treated and the desired outcome. After curettage, the sample tissue is often sent for histological examination (microscopic analysis) to determine the underlying condition.

Curretage meaning with examples

• Following a suspicious mole removal, the dermatologist performed curettage on the surrounding area to ensure no cancerous cells remained. This meticulous step helped to guarantee a clean margin and prevent recurrence of the melanoma. The collected tissue was sent for further analysis.
• After an incomplete miscarriage, the gynecologist performed a D&C (dilation and curettage) to remove the remaining fetal tissue and placental fragments from the uterus. This procedure alleviated potential infections and bleeding, improving the patient’s health.
• A skin biopsy revealed a basal cell carcinoma. The dermatologist elected to use curettage and electrodesiccation to remove the cancerous cells. The procedure was carefully performed, ensuring minimal scarring while eradicating the malignancy.
• During a bone biopsy, the orthopedic surgeon used curettage to collect a sample of suspected cancerous tissue from the patient’s femur. This sample aided in diagnosing the precise type of bone cancer and determining the best course of treatment.
• In cases of acne vulgaris with cystic lesions, the dermatologist sometimes employs curettage to drain the cysts and remove their contents. This aids in the healing process and minimizes inflammation which could reduce acne scars.