The patency and direction of the cervical canal are determined by the passage of a uterine sound. The cervix is dilated gently with a series of lubricated, graduated Hegar dilators, and a systematic curettage is carried out (Figures 9 and 10). For diagnostic curettage dilatation up to a No. 8 or 10 Hegar is adequate. The largest sharp curette than can pass through the dilated cervix is gently inserted and passed to the fundus. The anterior wall is scraped until all endometrium is removed, then the posterior wall. Curettage is then repeated on the right and left walls, the fundus, and finally the uterine cornua. Following curettage of the uterus, persistent bleeding from the cold knife conization is controlled with figure-of-eight sutures. Diagnostic conizations are of such limited scope that plastic reconstruction of the cervix is not required.