curette

[ kyoo-ret ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a scoop-shaped surgical instrument for removing tissue from body cavities, as the uterus.

, cu·ret·ted, cu·ret·ting.

curette

/ kjʊəˈrɛt /

a surgical instrument for removing dead tissue, growths, etc, from the walls of certain body cavities

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Origin of curette¹

First recorded in 1745–55; from French, equivalent to cur(er) “to cleanse” + -ette feminine noun suffix; -ette, cure

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Origin of curette¹

C18: from French, from curer to heal, make clean; see cure

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The curettes can scrape a fraction of a millimeter at a time.

If a flushing curette has been used, this of course has already been done.

Fragments removed by the curette are subjected to microscopical examination for diagnostic purposes.

The curette is passed up to the top of the fundus uteri with its cutting edge directed to the posterior wall.

The cervix is first dilated up to a suitable degree for the passage of the curette; up to No. 12 Hegar is usually sufficient.

As a preliminary to the use of the curette, dilatation up to No. 12 Hegar is necessary.

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