The surgical removal of a fetus via an incision through the abdominal and uterine walls prior to the period of fetal viability (traditionally before 28 weeks of gestation) is defined as a ______.
Answer
hysterotomy
Explanation
The source explicitly labels abdominal delivery before 28 weeks as hysterotomy. **Key takeaway:** Do not confuse this term with CS as defined in the lecture. **Glossary:** **Hysterotomy**: abdominal delivery before 28 weeks.