title: Minilaparotomy hysterectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article reports our experience with minilaparotomy hysterectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Minilaparotomy was defined as a skin incision < or = 6 cm in length. From January 1, 1996, to June 30, 1997, data were collected on all patients who underwent hysterectomy by means of a minilaparotomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the study a total of 250 hysterectomies were performed. Twenty-six of those were performed by means of a minilaparotomy. The mean age of the patients was 54 years. Seven had endometrial cancer and 8 had an adnexal mass. In 1 patient the incision was extended for staging of an ovarian cancer. The only intraoperative complication was rupture of a 6-cm ovarian tumor. After operation, 2 patients had febrile morbidity, 1 had a prolonged ileus, and in 1 atrial fibrillation developed. The mean uterine weight was 123 g. Median day of Foley catheter removal and mean day of ambulation, regular diet, and discharge were 1 day, 1.2 days, 2.4 days, and 3.4 days, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minilaparotomy is a safe and feasible route of hysterectomy for a selected group of patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lynch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000379:methods*; D007813:Laparotomy; D008875:Middle Aged