An alternative approach to the vertical midline abdominal incision for staging in ovarian carcinoma

The case report describes a situation that required staging laparotomy for ovarian cancer but the patient refused vertical incision for cosmetic reasons. The technique employed a low transverse skin incision with development of a skin flap and horizontal transection of the midabdominal wall near the level of the umbilicus. Operative exposure was adequate for standard staging procedures and the cosmetic requirements of the patient were satisfied.