What is "hysterotomy"

Hysterotomy \Hys`ter*ot"o*my\, n. [Gr. "yste`ra womb + ? to cut: cf. F. hyst['e]rotomie.] (Med.) The C[ae]sarean section. See under C[ae]sarean.

n. surgical incision into the uterus (as in cesarean section)

A hysterotomy is an incision in the uterus, and is performed during a caesarean section. Hysterotomies are also performed during fetal surgery, and various gynaecological procedures.

In fetal surgery, without inhibition of uterine contractions, premature labor is a complication that occurs in 100% of hysterotomy cases. It can be inhibited by tocolytics.