Description Endometrial biopsy is an office technique used for obtaining tissue samples from the lining of the uterus. In-office techniques have largely replaced traditional dilatation and curettage. Indications Dysfunctional uterine bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, menorrhagia, infertility (selected cases), endometrial or pelvic…
Description Dilation and curettage (D&C) is the dilation of the uterine cervix with the removal (by scraping) of a portion of the uterine lining or uterine contents. (The same term may be applied to any setting in which a cavity…
Description Diaphragms (rubber or latex domes with a springy ring) are designed to provide a physical barrier between the sperm and egg in conjunction with contraceptive jelly or creams to provide contraception by both barrier and spermicidal actions. Contraceptive diaphragm…
Description Cystourethroscopy (commonly referred to as cystoscopy) is a technique for visualizing the interior of the urethra or bladder. This may also serve as a portal for other diagnostic or therapeutic measures. Indications To diagnose urinary tract disorders such as…
Description Cervical cryocautery is the use of cold to produce a “frost bite” as an ablative therapy for cervical abnormalities. Loop electrocautery excisional procedures (LEEP, also known as large loop excision of the transformation zone [LLETZ]) have largely replaced cervical…
Description Colposcopy is a diagnostic technique that allows the clinician to identify normal landmarks, find changes suggestive of underlying abnormality, and select sites for biopsy that will yield the greatest information. It may be used to support other procedures such…
Description Male circumcision is the removal of some or the entire foreskin of the phallus. Indications Parental or religious preference (not a medically indicated procedure). Circumcision of newborns should be performed only on healthy and stable infants. Contraindications Age greater…
Description A technique for obtaining fetal chorionic villus cells for cytogenetic or other testing, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is usually performed between 10 and 13 weeks gestation and involves the aspiration of the placental tissue using either percutaneous transabdominal or…
Description Cesarean birth (or cesarean section) is the delivery of the fetus through surgical incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. The rate of cesarean birth varies from 10% to 35% around the world, influenced by cultural factors and the…
Description Cervical polypectomy is the removal of cervical or visible endocervical polyps; it is generally a simple, painless office procedure. Indications Cervical or visible endocervical polyp. Some authors have questioned the need to treat asymptomatic polyps. Contraindications Known or suspected…