Type of Incisions: Pfannenstiel, or "bikini incision" Contributed by Mika Sinanan, MD and his staff at the University of Washington Medical School Pfannenstiel incisions are horizontal at the skin but divide the fascia and muscle of the abdominal wall vertically in the midline. They are principally used for urological and gynecological procedures because they minimize scarring. However, large skin flaps are developed under such incisions and with contamination, they may be more prone to infectious complications. Since the size of the incision is necessarily restricted by the lateral extent of the skin incision, exposure to deep pelvic structures may be less than optimal. These incisions should be avoided in patients who are obese, those requiring extensive deep pelvic dissection, and those with prior lower abdominal midline incisions where the scar is already present. Back to Incision Index Home | Welcome | Clinical Update | Managing Your Residency | Basic Science Board Review | Opportunities | Links | Contributors | Contact Us