Background: Hysterectomy is the most common intraabdominal operation after cesarean section. The closure of peritoneum in abdominal hysterectomy is traditional despite published data that indicate re-approximating peritoneum is not necessary and may promote adhesion formation. This study was undertaken to compare postoperative short-term morbidity between closure and non-closure of peritoneum in abdominal hysterectomy.
Materials and methods: A parallel-group, double blind randomized controlled trial was their peritoneum (both parietal and visceral) closed and 60 patients (open-group) did not have any peritoneal re-approximation. Initial data including period of operation, bowel performance, postoperative pain, and postoperative were all determined and compared between the two groups.
Results: Groups were similar according to the age, surgery indications, preoperative hemoglobin concentration, and type of anesthesia. Postoperative pain (visual analog scale) was lesser in the open-group (P-0.0073). The mean period of operation was shorter in open group (P=0.005). There was no significant difference in postoperative bowel performance, liquid diet, laxative usage, antibiotic administration, analgesic usage and fever.
Conclusion: Non-closure of visceral and parietal peritoneum in abdominal hysterectomy seems to have better outcomes. Shorter period of surgery and anesthesia may lead to lesser postoperative pain.