&NA;An open cuff technic was employed in 2421 consecutive patients with total abdominal hysterectomy. Extraperitoneal drainage without a drain was the purpose of the method. The two most serious complications were postoperative hemorrhage (7 cases, 0.28%) and intestinal obstruction (6 cases, 0.24%). The morbidity rate was 20.8%. Of those without colporrhaphy (two‐thirds), the morbidity rate was 18.2%. Prophylactic antibiotics were not used in the latter group. In no instance was a pelvic abscess or cuff abscess recognized. Death occurred in 1 case (0.041%). This method may diminish the occurrence of apical infections above a closed vagina by allowing immediate extraperitoneal drainage. Postoperative bleeding and intestinal obstruction, along with other rare conditions, continue to represent occasional but severe complications.