To determine the safety and feasibility of total abdominal hysterectomy for benign diseases through a mini-laparotomy (40-75 mm) incision and discharge 48 hours after operation a prospective study of 60 patients with benign uterine conditions for whom surgical treatment was indicated was planned. Main outcome measures included intra-operative complications, duration of operation, postoperative complications, postoperative hospital stay, amount of analgesia needed, hospital readmission, scar length, patient satisfaction and ability for early return to work.

Forty-two patients (70 per cent) were discharged home 48 hours postoperatively; eight patients (13%) at 60 hours, eight patients (13%) at 72 hours and two patients (3%) at 84 hours postoperatively. There were no intra-operative complications and post-operative complications were minimal. No patient required hospital readmission. On a simple four item questionnaire, nearly all patients were happy regarding the entire experience particularly the home visit by a nurse after 6 days, the small scar and early discharge.