Post-Hysterectomy Vaginal Length: Horizontal vs. Vertical Closure

In this arm, patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with lateral suspension will receive horizontal closure of the vaginal cuff. After removal of the uterus, the vaginal cuff is closed in a transverse (right-to-left) direction using standard absorbable sutures. The technique aims to maintain or optimize the anatomical axis and preserve vaginal length in the horizontal plane. The entire procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia by an experienced surgical team.

In this arm, patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with lateral suspension will receive vertical closure of the vaginal cuff. After the uterus is removed, the vaginal cuff is closed in a cranio-caudal (top-to-bottom) orientation using absorbable sutures. This technique is hypothesized to better support apical structures and reduce tissue tension. Procedures are performed under general or regional anesthesia with standardized operative technique.