Serum cortisol and acute phase protein concentrations after hysterectomy with and without peritoneal sutures

Although non-closure of the peritoneum still remains a controversial problem, to our knowledge there have been no studies comparing stress response in women who either have or have not had peritoneal sutures. Therefore, we decided to assess cortisol, C-reactive protein and haptoglobin levels in serum obtained following hysterectomy in both sets of patients.

Forty-nine women after total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were studied, including 28 patients with non-closed peritoneum and 21 women after peritoneal sutures. Cortisol and acute phase protein levels were measured in serum samples obtained before the operation and also 8, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 192 h after surgery.

There were no significant differences in the concentration of cortisol and C-reactive protein in blood serum between groups of patients in all time periods. Serum haptoglobin level was not statistically significant between the examined groups in 8, 24, 48, 72, 96 h, but after 192 h it increased significantly in a group of patients who had received peritoneal closure operations.

Our results suggest that closure of parietal and visceral peritoneum does not provide any benefits during the postoperative period.