The most important role of dilatation and curettage is in the evacuation of retained products of conception; its diagnostic value is mostly limited to the detection of cancer of the endometrium. The procedure is associated with a number of complications, the majority of which occur during dilatation of the cervix. Vabra curettage is suggested as an alternative to diagnostic dilatation and curettage; it is efficient, is associated with fewer complications and is less expensive. Hysteroscopy is a useful supplement to Vabra curettage, especially in diagnosing focal lesions.