What is curettage in surgery? A comprehensive guide

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Curettage is a common surgical procedure defined as the scraping of tissue or growths from a surface using a special instrument called a curette. This technique is used across various medical fields for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, proving its versatility and efficacy in modern medicine.

Quick Summary

Curettage in surgery is a procedure that uses a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette to scrape tissue from a body cavity or surface. It serves both diagnostic purposes, such as collecting tissue for analysis, and therapeutic purposes, like removing abnormal growths.

Key Points

Definition of Curettage: Curettage involves scraping tissue or growths from a surface or cavity using a curette, a spoon-shaped surgical instrument.
Dermatological Use: In dermatology, curettage is often combined with electrodesiccation to remove superficial skin cancers and other growths like warts and keratoses.
Gynecological Procedure (D&C): Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a common gynecological procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the uterine lining, such as heavy bleeding or post-miscarriage tissue removal.
Broad Surgical Applications: The technique is also utilized in other surgical fields, including orthopedics for bone and cartilage work, and endodontics for dental procedures.
Minimally Invasive: Curettage is often considered a minimally invasive procedure, frequently performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with relatively quick recovery times.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic: It serves a dual purpose, allowing for the collection of tissue samples for diagnostic analysis (biopsy) and the therapeutic removal of abnormal growths.

Understanding the Curettage Procedure

At its core, curettage involves the use of a surgical tool known as a curette to remove material from the wall of a cavity or other surface. The curette can be sharp or dull and comes in various shapes and sizes depending on the surgical context. This simple yet effective method is applied in different ways across multiple medical specialties, from removing a small skin lesion to clearing the lining of the uterus.

The procedure is generally minimally invasive, often performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, though more extensive procedures might require general anesthesia. A clear understanding of what the procedure involves, including preparation and recovery, is essential for anyone considering this treatment option.

Curettage in Dermatology: Common Applications

One of the most frequent uses of curettage is in dermatology, often combined with electrodesiccation (burning tissue with an electric current) for enhanced effectiveness. This method is particularly effective for removing superficial, well-defined skin growths. The process involves scraping away the lesion in layers, and then cauterizing the base to control bleeding and destroy any remaining abnormal cells.

Conditions Treated with Dermatological Curettage

Dermatologists use curettage to treat a variety of skin issues, including:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This common form of skin cancer can be effectively removed with curettage, especially for smaller lesions.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Similar to BCC, superficial SCC can be treated with this method.
Warts (Verrucae): Viral skin growths are often scraped away with a curette.
Actinic Keratoses: Precancerous skin patches that can be removed before they progress.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Common, benign, and noncancerous skin growths.

Uterine Curettage: Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

In gynecology, curettage is part of a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C). This involves dilating the cervix to allow a curette to be inserted and scrape the lining of the uterus (endometrium). A D&C may be performed for several reasons, including both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Diagnostic D&C

For diagnostic purposes, a D&C is performed to get a sample of endometrial tissue. This can help a doctor diagnose conditions such as:

Uterine polyps
Endometrial hyperplasia
Uterine cancer

Therapeutic D&C

Therapeutic D&C is used to treat certain conditions or manage complications. Common reasons include:

Removing tissue after a miscarriage or abortion
Removing uterine or cervical polyps
Clearing the uterus after childbirth to remove remaining placental tissue
Treating heavy or prolonged bleeding

Other Medical Uses of Curettage

The scraping action of a curette is also valuable in other surgical contexts beyond dermatology and gynecology:

Orthopedic Surgery: Curettage is used to remove excess bone, damaged cartilage, or necrotic tissue, particularly when treating benign bone tumors like chondromyxoid fibroma. This is often followed by bone grafting.
Dental Surgery: In endodontics, curettage is used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from around the root of a tooth during a root canal procedure.

Preparing for and Recovering from Curettage

Preparation for curettage is typically straightforward. You may be asked to avoid certain medications, like blood thinners, and to wear comfortable clothing for the procedure. Depending on the type of procedure and anesthesia, you might need someone to drive you home afterward.

Recovery time varies significantly depending on the extent and location of the procedure. For dermatological curettage, the healing process may take a few weeks, with wound care instructions provided to prevent infection. For a D&C, patients can often go home the same day but may experience cramping and light bleeding for a few days.

Risks and Considerations

While curettage is a generally safe procedure, it is not without risks. Potential complications include:

Infection
Bleeding
Scarring (more noticeable with skin curettage in certain areas)
Recurrence of the treated condition
Skin changes, such as hypopigmentation or changes in texture

It is important to discuss all potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider to determine if curettage is the right option for your specific medical situation. For further reading on surgical procedures and instrumentation, an authoritative resource can be found on ScienceDirect.

Comparison: Curettage vs. Alternative Treatments


Feature	Curettage and Electrodessication (C&E)	Excisional Surgery	Cryosurgery
Technique	Scraping followed by burning to destroy tissue.	Cutting and removing the entire lesion and margin with a scalpel.	Freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen to destroy the tissue.
Scarring	Typically leaves a flat, round, and often lighter-colored scar.	Leaves a linear scar that is often less noticeable than a C&E scar.	Can leave a hypopigmented (lighter) spot or a blister.
Specimen for Biopsy	May damage tissue, making it less ideal for detailed pathology analysis.	Excellent for obtaining a high-quality, intact specimen for diagnosis.	Does not provide a tissue specimen for pathology.
Ideal for	Superficial, well-defined skin lesions in low-risk areas.	Deeper or more aggressive tumors, or lesions in high-risk locations.	Small, benign growths and some superficial skin cancers.
Healing Time	3–6 weeks for dermatological procedures.	Depends on the size and location of the excision; typically involves sutures.	Relatively quick, though a blister may form and heal.

Conclusion: A Versatile Surgical Tool

Curettage is a versatile and valuable surgical technique used across a wide range of medical fields. From removing skin lesions and diagnosing uterine conditions to managing orthopedic and dental issues, its application is broad and effective. As a minimally invasive procedure, it offers significant benefits, though like any surgical intervention, it comes with potential risks. By understanding the procedure, its applications, and what to expect during recovery, patients can make informed decisions in consultation with their healthcare providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, anesthesia is administered before the curettage procedure to minimize or avoid any pain and discomfort. The type of anesthesia used depends on the location and extent of the procedure, ranging from a local numbing agent to general anesthesia.

Curettage is a procedure for removing tissue, which may serve as a form of biopsy by providing a tissue sample for analysis. However, a biopsy is a broader term for taking a tissue sample, and curettage can be used for therapeutic purposes, like removing a growth, not just for diagnosis.

Recovery time varies based on the procedure's location and scope. For skin curettage, healing may take a few weeks. For a D&C, patients typically recover within a few days, though some discomfort and light bleeding are common.

Risks of curettage are typically minimal but can include infection, bleeding, and scarring. For dermatological procedures, there may be skin discoloration. For uterine procedures, risks like uterine perforation are very rare.

Yes, curettage is an effective treatment for certain types of superficial skin cancers, including some basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. It is most successful on smaller, well-defined lesions in low-risk areas.

Yes, curettage is a common technique used to scrape away warts, which are viral skin growths. It is often a quick and effective way to remove the lesion.

Yes, curettage can leave a scar, though it is usually flat and round. The appearance of the scar depends on the size and location of the treated area. The scraping action is less precise than a scalpel, so the resulting scar can sometimes be more noticeable.