Endocervical curettage

Endocervical curettage (ECC) is a procedure that is used to diagnose diseases of the uterus, or to detect and treat abnormalities of the cervix. It is a type of biopsy that involves scraping cells from the endocervical canal, which is the narrow passageway between the uterus and the vagina.

Procedure

The procedure is usually performed in a doctor's office or a clinic. The patient is placed in a lithotomy position, similar to the position used for a Pap smear. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open, and a local anesthetic may be applied to the cervix to numb it. The doctor then inserts a small, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette into the endocervical canal and scrapes off a sample of cells.

Indications

Endocervical curettage is often performed when a Pap smear shows atypical glandular cells, which may indicate a precancerous condition. It may also be used to diagnose conditions such as endocervical polyps or cervicitis, or to evaluate the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Risks and complications

As with any medical procedure, endocervical curettage carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, or damage to the cervix or uterus. In rare cases, the procedure may cause cervical stenosis, a condition in which the cervix narrows or becomes completely closed.

See also

• Cervical cancer
• Colposcopy
• Endometrial biopsy