Nonclosure of peritoneum: a reappraisal

In our specialty, the practice of closing or not closing the peritoneum is still being debated. Our purpose was to review the literature on the subject, to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, and to provide clinical opinions. Closure of the peritoneum either parietal or visceral peritoneum is unnecessary, it is associated with a slightly longer operating time and more postoperative pain, and there are some suggestions that it might cause more adhesion formation. There are more advantages than disadvantages to not closing the peritoneum. We encourage clinicians not to close both parietal and visceral peritoneum.