What Is a Hysterotomy?

A hysterotomy, or uterotomy, is any procedure that involves making a cut into a female’s uterus. This uterine incision may be essential in a number of medical procedures, including Caesarian section, fetal surgery, or a hysterotomy abortion. Complications may arise in some procedures, particularly the risk of premature labor.

The uterus is a main female reproductive organ. It may be accessed through the stomach muscles or through the vagina. Surgical cuts are typically made on the lower portion of the uterus. A singular cut may suffice, with the size of the cut depending on the specific procedure.

On occasion, complications with natural labor or the need to induce labor calls for a Caesarian section. This process involves surgically removing a fetus for the birthing process. As such, a hysterotomy is needed to access the contents of the uterus. To gain this access, the physician must first make a significant cut into the wall of the abdomen: a separate procedure known as a laparotomy.

Medical emergencies or birth defects associated with a fetus — particularly those associated with the environment of the uterus itself — may be addressed with fetal surgery. When the fetus has not yet reached a period of time for safe birth, any corrective medical procedures must be performed on the fetus in utero. For these highly delicate procedures, a hysterotomy is typically required. Less invasive techniques that require smaller incisions are more prevalent, but some procedures require a complete uterus opening.

Abortions may be performed via a hysterotomy as well. In such cases, a small cut is made through the abdomen into the uterus. Physicians then remove the fetus from the uterus. Due to associated risks, this type of abortion is usually a last resort, and it is typically only performed following the first trimester.

A hysterotomy should not be confused with a hysterectomy, as the latter process actually removes the uterus from the body. This procedure usually is necessary because of some defect with the uterus itself. Physicians performing a hysterotomy, on the other hand, are simply operating on the uterus. The hysteromy may, however, be a component of the hysterectomy.

Although hysterotomies are somewhat commonplace, making incisions in this area can sometimes create problems. For example, the activity may trigger labor in a pregnant woman. In addition, excessive vaginal bleeding can result, especially if the uterus is accessed through the vagina. Other typical surgical complications are also evaluated before a hysterotomy, such as the risk of an adverse reaction to anesthesia.