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 continuous 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). CONCLUSION: 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.