Endocervical curettage is a procedure in which the mucous membrane of the cervical canal is scraped using a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.

Dr. Ernst Wertheim, an Austrian gynecologist, who pioneered many surgical interventions and techniques in gynecology may have been the first to implement endocervical curettage in its earliest forms.

[3] Use of endocervical curettage became widespread by the mid-20th century as understanding and methods of cervical pathology rapidly advanced.

Over the decades endocervical curettage and its inclusion in guidelines have been the subject of debate by medical societies, with some arguing its diagnostic use is limited.

Generally the next step in workup of an abnormal pap smear includes a colposcopy which involves the direct visualization of the cervix.

Numerous studies and meta-analyses have been performed over the centuries to assess the diagnostic value of endocervical curettage in the workup of cervical dysplasia and to determine its sensitivity and specificity.

Most recent studies retain its value in the diagnostic workup as an intermediate step between pap smear and cone biopsy.

The procedure is generally performed in the outpatient setting and begins with the patient laying flat on their back with feet usually in stirrups.

A colposcope, a magnifying tool, is used to directly visualize the cervical, vaginal, or vulvar tissue under a low-powered microscope.

[9] Though sterilization techniques, anesthetics, and hemostasis tools greatly mitigate these risks and the procedure is generally very tolerated aside from discomfort.