Vaginal cuff closure with absorbable bidirectional barbed suture during total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Abstract

Objective: Hysterectomy represents one of the most performed procedures in gynecological surgery. The minimally invasive approach increases patients' benefits and reduces hospitalization costs. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of double barbed suture in vaginal cuff closure during total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Study design: A retrospective cohort study of 88 consecutive patients treated with total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign or precancerous conditions was undertaken from January 2010 to December 2011. Vaginal cuff suture was performed with traditional interrupted suture with polycolic acid (Vicryl™) in 40 patients and with bidirectional barbed device, Quill SRS™, in 48 patients.

Results: No difference in vaginal cuff dehiscence, major vaginal bleeding or spotting, and infection was evident between the two groups, with significant reduction in operative times for the bidirectional barbed suture group.

Conclusion: Vaginal cuff suture performed with bidirectional barbed QUILL SRS™ is a safe and well-tolerated procedure that reduces operative times.

Keywords: Barbed suture; Total laparoscopic hysterectomy; Vaginal cuff dehiscence.