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. Design: Prospective single-center study. Participants: 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. Outcome Measures: 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. Conclusion: 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. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.