Peritoneal closure vs. non-closure: estimation of pelvic fluid by transvaginal ultrasonography after abdominal hysterectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the volume of pelvic fluid and febrile morbidity after hysterectomy in which the peritoneum was or was not closed.


METHODS
Prospective single-center study.


METHODS
Fifty-four women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups according to peritoneal closure: group I (n = 28) in which the peritoneum was closed, and group II (n = 26) in which the peritoneum was left open. All participants had early postoperative transvaginal ultrasound.


METHODS
Volume of pelvic fluid accumulated after hysterectomy, total leukocytic count before and after hysterectomy, body temperature over the first 24 h, and wound healing.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the volume of pelvic fluid collection, the duration of the operation and number of ampoules needed (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference regarding body temperature, TLC, and wound complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Peritoneal non-closure does not increase short-term morbidity, however it does cause an increase in peritoneal pelvic fluid. The impact of this on long-term sequelae as adhesions should be investigated.
Al-Inany
Hesham
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cairo University, 8 Moustapha Hassanin Street, Manial, Cairo 11451, Egypt. kaainih@link.net
D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014945:Wound Healing