Prospective randomized comparison between an open and closed vaginal cuff in abdominal hysterectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare an operative and postoperative course of open vaginal cuff hysterectomy and closed vaginal cuff hysterectomy, and to correlate the length of stay, febrile morbidity and the incidence of pelvic fluid collections to the type of surgery.


METHODS
One-hundred women scheduled for hysterectomy were prospectively randomized into two groups that underwent either a closed or an open vaginal cuff technique.


RESULTS
The open vaginal cuff technique took on average 19% more time than the closed vaginal cuff operation (P < 0.05, t-test). The incidence and size of pelvic fluid collections was significantly higher after the closed vaginal cuff hysterectomy than after the open technique (P < 0.01, t-test). However, the postoperative length of stay, febrile morbidity and the rate of complications were similar.


CONCLUSIONS
Both techniques of hysterectomy produced a similar postoperative course despite the fact that the closed vaginal cuff technique resulted in a higher incidence of pelvic fluid collections. Therefore considering a shorter operation time for the closed vaginal cuff hysterectomy, this technique seems slightly preferable.
Aharoni
A
A
Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. ari10@mail.inter.net.il
Kaner
E
E
Levitan
Z
Z
Condrea
A
A
Degani
S
S
Ohel
G
G
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery