title: Pfannenstiel versus Maylard incision for gynecologic surgery: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the transverse muscle-cutting Maylard incision and the Pfannenstiel incision for hysterectomies, in terms of postoperative complications, pain, and quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  This randomized, double-blind study compared two laparotomy techniques. All hysterectomies were performed for benign conditions. Eighty cases were randomly assigned to receive either Pfannenstiel or Maylard incisions. Measured intraoperative variables included volume of blood loss and duration of surgery. Postoperative variables included abdominal distension, postoperative pain, and quality of life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postoperative abdominal distension was significantly lower in the Maylard group (p = 0.004). There were no differences in intraoperative characteristics and duration of hospitalization, hemorrhage volume, or duration of surgery between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hysterectomy performed via the Maylard incision was associated with the use of fewer additional analgesics than hysterectomy performed via the Pfannenstiel incision.
authors: ValiAsr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Zinat
authors: Z
authors: Ghanbari
authors: Bahareh Haji
authors: BH
authors: Baratali
authors: Tahereh
authors: T
authors: Foroughifar
authors: Maryam Deldar
authors: MD
authors: Pesikhani
authors: Mamak
authors: M
authors: Shariat
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014546:Urinary Catheterization