A randomized trial of open versus closed vaginal vault in the prevention of postoperative morbidity after abdominal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of two surgical techniques, closed vaginal vault with two layers of continous 3-0 polyglactin suture versus open vaginal vault with a locking 3-0 polyglactin suture, after abdominal hysterectomy.

STUDY

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized trial was performed. During the hospital stay and 4 to 8 weeks after the operation patients were observed for evidence of morbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 273 evaluable subjects, 141 had the vaginal vault left open whereas 132 were closed. Ten (7.1%) and eight patients (6.1%) had infections at the operative site (pelvis or abdominal wound) (p = 0.92). A urinary tract infection was diagnosed in three (2.1%) and in four subjects (3.0%) (p = 0.46). A pelvic hematoma developed in two patients of each group (p = 0.66). Vault granulations were recorded in 11% and 12% of subjects (p = 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

This study failed to show some benefit in favor of either of the two surgical policies. A careful surgical technique and antibiotic prophylaxis seem to remain the most important factors in the prevention of postoperative morbidity.