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n.
an operation for removal of the fetus by incision of the uterus through the abdomen before the 24th week of gestation; after this time the operation is called Caesarean section. Hysterotomy is now rarely performed owing to improvements in the efficiency of drugs now available for inducing abortion, e.g. mifepristone.
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hys·ter·ot·o·my (his″tər-otґə-me) [hystero- + -tomy] incision of the uterus, usually for delivery of a fetus.Medical dictionary. 2011.