Impact of vertical versus horizontal vaginal cuff closure on vaginal length following hysterectomy: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Posthysterectomy vaginal length has been previously associated with postoperative sexual dysfunction, but evidence for this in the literature is controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate whether vertical or horizontal closure of the vaginal cuff has a direct effect on posthysterectomy vaginal length and on postoperative sexual dysfunction.

METHODS

The study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov , EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases.

RESULTS

Overall, five randomized trials were included in this meta-analysis with 223 patients. The results suggest that horizontal closure of the vaginal cuff results in a shorter vaginal length compared with vertical closure [mean difference (MD) -0.77 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.12 to -0.43]. Mean vaginal length significantly decreased when the horizontal method was used (MD -0.61 cm, 95% CI -0.97 to -0.24). The subgroup analysis revealed that vertical closure was associated with longer vaginal length only in cases treated with vaginal hysterectomy. Trial sequential analysis revealed that our meta-analysis had adequate power to support these results. Postoperative sexual function was evaluated in only one study; no differences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of our meta-analysis suggest that horizontal closure of the vaginal vault results in shorter vaginal length in vaginal hysterectomies; thus, we suggest that this technique be avoided. Data concerning quality of life of patients and specifically sexual dysfunction remain extremely limited and should be studied in future trials.