Sutures are medical devices used to close wounds or surgical incisions in horses. They are typically made from materials such as nylon, polypropylene, or absorbable polymers and are selected based on the specific requirements of the wound or procedure. Sutures serve to approximate tissue edges, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection. In equine medicine, the choice of suture material, technique, and pattern can significantly affect the healing process and the outcome of surgical interventions. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that examine the types, applications, and outcomes of suture use in equine veterinary practice.
Averay K, van Galen G, Ward M, Verwilghen D.Equine small intestinal resection and anastomosis is a procedure where optimizing speed, without compromising integrity, is advantageous. There are a range of different needle holders available, but little is published on the impact surgical instrumentation has on surgical technique in veterinary medicine. The objectives of this study were to investigate if the needle holder type influences the anastomosis construction time, the anastomosis bursting pressure and whether the bursting pressure is influenced by the anastomosis construction time. Single layer end-to-end jejunojejunal anastomoses w...
Gialletti R, Nannarone S, Gandini M, Cerullo A, Bertoletti A, Scilimati N, Giusto G.Nephrosplenic space (NSS) ablation has been demonstrated to be an effective technique for prevention of left dorsal displacement of the large colon and multiple laparoscopic techniques, among which ablation with mesh or with a barbed suture, have been proposed. Our objective was to compare two laparoscopic techniques for closure of the NSS in twenty-eight horses diagnosed with nephrosplenic entrapment. Medical records of horses that had laparoscopic NSS ablation in two referral centers between 2017-2019 were retrieved. Duration of surgery, complications, and short- and long-term follow-up info...
Droutsas K, Giachos I, Katsiampoula V, Kourti P, Kymionis G, Petrou P.To describe the off-label use of lyophilized equine pericardium for tectonic enhancement of the sclera in a case of progressive scleromalacia perforans. Methods: An 82-year-old woman with a history of varicella zoster virus sclerokeratitis presented with a progressively expanding scleral thinning at the superonasal quadrant of the anterior sclera of her left eye. The eye was blind because of intractable glaucoma. To avoid perforation of the exposed choroid, a single layer of lyophilized equine pericardium was sutured over the scleral perforation. After performing a conjunctival peritomy in the...
Salciccia A, de la Rebière de Pouyade G, Gougnard A, Detilleux J, Caudron I, Verwilghen D, Serteyn D, Grulke S.(1) Evaluate the occurrence and variables associated with incisional morbidities (IMs) after ventral median laparotomy when using interrupted vertical mattress sutures (IVMS) and (2) determine the occurrence of abdominal bandage-associated complications in horses. Methods: Occurrence of IM and bandage-associated complications were determined after single laparotomies (SL group; n=546 horses) and repeat laparotomies (RL group: multiple laparotomies within four weeks; n=30 horses) in horses that survived ≥7 days postoperatively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were per...
Weatherall KM, Boone LH, Caldwell FJ, Cole RC, Cattley RC, Lascola KM, Clark-Price SC, Farag R, Perkins E, Hanson RR.To compare the biomechanical properties and healing of ventral midline celiotomies (VMC) closed with a self-locking knot combination and forwarder start and Aberdeen end (F-A) vs a traditional knot combination and surgeon's start and end (S-S). Methods: In vivo, experimental. Methods: Twenty-one horses. Methods: Fourteen horses underwent VMC, which was closed with either an F-A (n = 7) or an S-S (n = 7) knot combination. Incisions were subjectively graded by masked evaluators for dehiscence, edema, and drainage. Biomechanical testing was performed on three abdominal segments, and histology was...
Adler DMT, Østergaard S, Jørgensen E, Jacobsen S.Castration of the stallion is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the horse. Recently barbed suture materials for surgical wound closure were introduced to the market with manufacturers claiming that these sutures enhance speed and security as they eliminate the need to tie knots. Recently, it has been suggested that this type of suture may increase postoperative complications. This study aimed at investigating and comparing a bidirectional absorbable knotless barbed suture (KBS) to a conventional smooth suture (SS) for wound closure of inguinal castrations in the horse...
Pascoletti G, Pressanto MC, Putame G, Terzini M, Audenino AL, Zanetti EM.A number of surgical practices are aimed to compensate for tissue relaxation or weakened/atrophied muscles by means of suture prostheses/thread lifts. The success rate of these procedures is often very good in the short term, while it is quite variable among subjects and techniques in the middle-long term. Middle-long term failures are mostly related to suture distraction, loosening or wear, coming from repeated loading cycles. In this work, an experimental device to perform ex vivo tests on prosthetic sutures has been set up. An equine laryngoplasty has been used as a benchmark, being represe...
Data in briefApril 30, 2020
Volume 30 105644 doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105644
Pascoletti G, Pressanto MC, Putame G, Terzini M, Franceschini G, Zanetti EM.A number of applications in the surgical practice are based on tensile sutures aimed to keep soft tissues in place and compensate the exit of neuropathies, prolapses or general tissue relaxation. Long-term behaviour of these constructs need to be carefully examined in order to define tensile forces to be applied and to compare different suture anchors. Data here reported refer to equine laryngoplasties, where a suitable loading system has been designed in order to be able to test sutures in-sito, applying known forces ("On-site testing of sutured organs: an experimental set up to cyclically ti...
Gandini M, Comino F, Caramello V, Giusto G.To compare three surgical knots for preventing leakage from the vascular bundle during ligation in simulated equine open castrations. Methods: Randomized, case-control, in vitro study. Methods: Testes (N = 60) collected from 30 horses. Methods: Testes were collected from 30 horses and randomly assigned to one of three groups: group G (friction, giant knot), group T (modified transfixing knot), or group S (sliding, strangle knot; n = 20/group). The assigned knot was used to ligate the vascular bundle during open castration. The length of suture material used and the leak pressure of the testicu...
Dória RGS, Freitas SH, Laskoski LM, Arruda LP, Shimano AC.Surgical site infection of abdominal incisions is an important complication after laparotomy with increased risk of incisional hernia formation in horses. This study aims to evaluate the healing process of abdominal incisions and correlate peritonitis with the occurrence of surgical site infection and incisional hernias. Nine horses underwent standardized laparotomy, intestinal exploration, and induced septic peritonitis. Standardized relaparotomy was performed two (n = 3), four (n = 3), and six (n = 3) months later to evaluate the abdominal cavity for adhesions and to collect the sutured v...
Sinovich M, Archer DC, Meunier NV, Kelly PG.To evaluate two different barbed sutures for closure of pelvic flexure enterotomies and compare results achieved with two previously described closure techniques. Methods: Ex vivo. Methods: Twenty-four fresh cadaver adult equine large colons. Methods: Cadavers were randomly assigned to four closure groups (n = 6 each group): single-layer absorbable suture, double-layer absorbable suture, single-layer unidirectional barbed suture, or single-layer bidirectional barbed suture. Construction time, luminal reduction (percentage), bursting pressure, and method of failure were measured. Cost, leakage,...
Giusto G, Caramello V, Comino F, Gandini M.In this study the caecum and large colon were harvested from 24 slaughtered horses. On each sample, an 8‑cm long enterotomy was performed. Enterotomies were closed using either barbed or unbarbed glycomer‑631. We compared the time to close, appearance, length of suture material, bursting pressure, and costs associated with each type of material. Our findings demonstrated that time to close was significantly shorter (caecum, P = 0.034; pelvic flexure, P = 0.039) using barbed sutures (caecum 610.4 seconds; pelvic flexure 699.3 seconds) than unbarbed sutures (caecum 661.0 seconds, pelvic flex...
McGlinchey L, Boone LH, Munsterman AS, Coleridge MOD, Rosanowski SM, Farag R, Hanson RR.To evaluate the effect of exposure to a balanced electrolyte solution (BES), or equine abdominal fat on the knot-holding capacity (KHC), relative knot security (RKS), weight, and volume of forwarder knots versus surgeon's knots. Methods: 315 knots tied and tested in vitro. Methods: United States Pharmacopeia size-3 polyglactin 910 suture exposed to air (dry [control]), equine abdominal fat (fat-exposed), or BES (BES-exposed) was used to tie forwarder knots with 2, 3, and 4 throws and surgeon's knots with 5, 6, 7, and 8 throws. A universal materials testing machine was used to test the tensile ...
Scharner D, Gittel C, Winter K, Blaue D, Schedlbauer C, Vervuert I, Brehm W.Development of incisional complications following ventral median celiotomy might depend on suture pattern for skin closure. Methods: In this prospective study, 21 healthy male horses underwent celiotomy. Skin closure was either performed via a continuous percutaneous pattern (CO group; 5 warmbloods/5 ponies) or an intradermal pattern (ID group; 5 warmbloods/6 ponies). Follow-up examination of the incisional site included daily monitoring for edema, dehiscence, and drainage. Transcutaneous ultrasound was performed at Days 3, 6, and 10 as well as on Week 8 and 12 to evaluate size of edema and pr...
McGlinchey L, Hanson RR, Boone LH, Rosanowski SM, Coleridge M, Souza C, Munsterman AS.To compare the bursting strength and failure mode of ventral midline celiotomy closed with a simple continuous suture pattern with 1 of 2 knot combinations, a novel self-locking knot combination of a forwarder start with an Aberdeen end knot (F-A) and a traditional combination of a surgeon's start with a surgeon's end knot (S-S). Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 14). Methods: A 20-cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in 14 equine cadavers. Horses were assigned to celiotomy closure with an F-A or S-S knot combination. Prior to closure, a 200-L inflatable blad...
Fenner MF, Verwilghen D, Townsend N, Simhofer H, Schwarzer J, Zani DD, Bienert-Zeit A.Paranasal sinus cysts (PSC) are a common cause of equine secondary sinusitis. The outcome and associated complications have not been frequently reported. Objective: To review the associated clinical signs, associated morbidities and outcomes of horses treated for PSC. Methods: Retrospective multicentre case series. Methods: Retrospective analysis of case records and telephone follow up survey. Results: Subjects were 37 horses 1-24 years old that were presented with nasal discharge (n = 31), facial swelling (n = 25) and epiphora (n = 19). Radiography and computed tomography allowed identificati...
Souza CRS, Farnsworth KD, Ragle CA.The objective of this study was to assess and compare the bursting pressure and mode of failure of a 2-strand continuous crossing suture pattern and a simple continuous suture pattern for closure of the equine linea alba. No difference in bursting strength or mode of failure was found between the 2 suture patterns. Comparaison de la force d’éclatement des incisions des sutures simples continues et des sutures croisées continues à deux fils pour la fermeture de la linea alba des équidés. Cette étude avait pour objectif d’évaluer et de comparer la pression d’éclatement et le mode d...
Pezzanite LM, Hackett ES.To compare survival and complications in horses undergoing large colon resection with either sutured end-to-end or stapled functional end-to-end anastomoses. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Twenty-six client-owned horses with gastrointestinal disease. Methods: Retrospective data were retrieved from the medical records of 26 horses undergoing colectomy, including 14 horses with sutured end-to-end and 12 horses with stapled functional end-to-end anastomoses, between 2003 and 2016. Records were evaluated for signalment, medical and surgical treatments, and survival to hospital disch...
Major DS, Duff AH, Cohen ND, Hardy J.To compare laparoscopic single-layer versus double-layer closure of experimental, full-thickness incisions in adult equine urinary bladders using unidirectional and bidirectional barbed suture. Methods: Experimental, ex vivo, surgical study. Methods: Thirty adult equine cadaver urinary bladders. Methods: Bladders were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6): intact controls, bladders sutured with unidirectional or bidirectional barbed suture in a single-layer closure, and bladders sutured with unidirectional or bidirectional barbed suture in a double-layer closure. A 5-cm apical incision wa...
Brandenberger O, Rossignol F, Perkins JD, Lechartier A, Mespoulhès-Rivière C, Vitte A, Rossignol A, Ducharme N, Boening KJ.To determine the biomechanical properties of 5 suture constructs in the equine cricoid under cyclic loading and load to failure testing. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Seventy-five equine cadaver larynges. Methods: Each larynx was implanted with 1 of 5 cricoid-suture constructs. The standard laryngoplasty, where a suture is passed once through the cricoid, including its caudal edge, was used in 2 constructs: 1 with 5 USP Ethibond (ES) and 1 with 2 mm Fibertape (FS). In the third construct, the 2 mm Fibertape was passed twice through the cricoid including its caudal edge (Double Loop-DL). Con...
Ahern BJ, Van Eps AW, Boston RC, Franklin SH.To determine the degree and ease of arytenoid abduction achieved with abaxial placement of a FASTak II suture anchor compared to 2 suture patterns with different directions of insertion-caudomedial to craniolateral and medial to lateral. Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Cadaveric larynges from 10 Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Each larynx was sequentially instrumented with all 3 arytenoid suture attachment in random order: (1) abaxial placement of a FASTak II suture, (2) caudomedial to craniolateral suture, and (3) medial to lateral suture placement. Each construct was abducted at 5N...
Gandini M, Nannarone S, Giusto G, Pepe M, Comino F, Caramello V, Gialletti R.CASE DESCRIPTION 8 horses (5 geldings and 3 mares) were evaluated for laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space following a history of recurrent left dorsal displacement of the large colon. CLINICAL FINDINGS All horses underwent a physical examination and routine clinicopathologic testing. Transrectal palpation and transabdominal ultrasonography were performed to exclude the presence of organs in the left paralumbar region. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A left flank laparoscopic approach with the horses standing was used. A continuous suture was placed in a craniocaudal direction between the ren...
Giusto G, Tramuta C, Caramello V, Comino F, Nebbia P, Robino P, Singer E, Grego E, Gandini M.The objective of this study was to investigate whether cleaning surgical materials used to close pelvic flexure enterotomies with a wet sterile gauze will reduce contamination and whether the use of a full thickness appositional suture pattern (F) or a partial thickness inverting (or Cushing) suture pattern (C) would make a difference in the level of contamination. Large colon specimens were assigned to group F or C and divided into subgroups N and G. In group G, a wet sterile gauze was passed over the suture material, another over the instruments, and another over the gloves. In group N, no t...
Aldrich ED, Earnest J, Moorman VJ.To compare a 2-layer closure with suture line reversal for a pelvic flexure enterotomy to 1-layer and traditional 2-layer hand sewn closures. Methods: Ex vivo, simple randomized study. Methods: Large colon segments from adult horses (n = 18). Methods: Pelvic flexures were harvested from 18 horses and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 closure techniques (n = 6 per technique). A 10-cm enterotomy was made in each pelvic flexure and closed with the assigned technique. Closure time, luminal diameter via contrast radiographs, and bursting pressure were recorded for each specimen and compared betwe...
Coleridge M, Gillen AM, Farag R, Hanson RR, Munsterman AS.To investigate the knot holding capacity (KHC) of pattern-ending square, surgeon's and Aberdeen knots each tied in 4 throw combinations using large gauge suture after exposure to media commonly found in equine abdominal surgery. Methods: In vitro mechanical study. Methods: Knotted suture strands (n = 10/group). Methods: Strands of 2 polydioxanone or 3 polyglactin 910 were exposed to 1 of 4 media for 15 minutes. Control suture strands remained dry. Media used included balanced electrolyte solution, 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, equine serum, or equine fat. Pattern-ending knots for the 3...
Scharner D, Winter K, Brehm W, Kämpfert M, Gittel C.Despite advances in surgical technique in abdominal surgery, incisional complications are frequently reported following ventral midline laparotomy in horses. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of incisional complications at our clinic and to identify possible risk factors. Furthermore, we investigated whether suturing the peritoneum leads to a reduction of incisional complications. Methods: In this retrospective study, records of patients of the Large Animal Clinic for Surgery of the University of Leipzig from January 2010 to December 2015 were analysed. Horses with ventral m...
Caston SS, Schleining JA, Danielson JA, Kersh KD, Reinertson EL.To determine if instruction using simulated small intestine (SSI) is as effective as using cadaveric small intestine to teach the Gambee suture pattern to second year veterinary students. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded study. Methods: Second year veterinary students (n=59). Methods: Students were randomly assigned to groups using SSI or equine cadaver small intestine (CSI) to learn the Gambee suture pattern. The same educator, an experienced surgical instructor, instructed all students. Instruction consisted of verbal description of the technique with a schematic diagram followed by...
Albanese V, Hanson RR, McMaster MA, Koehler JW, Caldwell FJ.To evaluate use of a knotless suture for laparoscopic closure of the equine nephrosplenic space. Methods: Experimental in vivo study. Methods: Normal horses without previous history of abdominal surgery (n=8). Methods: The nephrosplenic space was closed under laparoscopic visualization using a unidirectional, barbed 0 metric absorbable suture (copolymer of glycolic acid and trimethylene carbonate). Intracorporeal suturing of the nephrosplenic space was performed in a cranial-to-caudal direction in a simple continuous fashion. Repeat evaluation was performed laparoscopically in 2 horses and by ...
Bracamonte JL, Duke-Novakovski T.This study evaluated the use of an articulating automated suturing device for laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in standing horses. Closure of the nephrosplenic space was performed in 4 horses using an automated suturing device. Second-look laparoscopy was performed at 5 weeks. A smooth fibrous adhesion formed between the spleen, the perirenal fascia, and the nephrosplenic ligament in 3 of the 4 horses in which the nephrosplenic space was closed using the automated suturing device. In 1 horse, closure of the nephrosplenic space was not possible due to constant breakage of the end...
Carslake HB.Three horses were presented with facial swelling and epiphora. Results: All horses had facial swellings and radiographic findings consistent with exostosis at the lacrimomaxillary suture, and ipsilateral epiphora. Positive contrast dacryocystorhinography demonstrated that the site of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct was located where the duct traverses the lacrimomaxillary suture. Methods: Lacrimomaxillary suture exostosis. Conclusions: Lacrimomaxillary suture exostosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of epiphora in horses. Dacryocystorhinography, preferably retro...
Witte TH, Cheetham J, Soderholm LV, Mitchell LM, Ducharme NG.To report (1) the force required on a single laryngoplasty suture to achieve optimal abduction of the left arytenoid cartilage, (2) peak forces experienced by the suture during induced swallowing and coughing, and during 24-hour resting activity in a stall, and (3) peak forces during induced swallowing and coughing after left recurrent laryngeal nerve blockade. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Horses (n=8). Methods: Each laryngoplasty suture was instrumented with an E-type buckle force transducer to measure the force required for optimal intraoperative left arytenoid cartilage abduction. ...
Cheetham J, Witte TH, Soderholm LV, Hermanson JW, Ducharme NG.To develop an in vitro laryngeal model to mimic airflow and pressures experienced by horses at maximal exercise with which to test laryngoplasty techniques. Methods: Randomized complete block. Methods: Cadaveric equine larynges (n=10). Methods: Equine larynges were collected at necropsy and a bilateral prosthetic laryngoplasty suture was placed with #5 Fiberwire suture to achieve bilateral maximal arytenoid abduction. Each larynx was positioned in a flow chamber and subjected to static flow and dynamic flow cycling at 2 Hz. Tracheal pressure and flow, and pressure within the flow chamber were ...
Santschi EM, Juzwiak JS, Moll HD, Slone DE.This clinical report describes surgical correction of diaphragmatic hernia in three young horses. Methods: Retrospective investigation of medical records and subsequent racing performance. Methods: Three young horses with diaphragmatic hernia. Results: Three young horses with signs of abdominal pain had diaphragmatic hernia causing small intestinal strangulation. The strangulated small intestine was resected and an end-to-end jejuno-jejunal (two horses) or a side-to-side jejuno-cecal anastomosis (one horse) was performed. Diaphragmatic hernias were closed with a continuous suture pattern. All ...
Sherlock C, Lee W, Mueller PO, Eggleston R, Epstein K.Although single layer techniques are preferred in man and small animals for small intestinal end-to-end anastomoses, double layer techniques are more popular in equine surgery. This study was undertaken to evaluate the ex vivo characteristics of 2 single layer anastomoses in comparison to the traditionally performed double layer anastomosis in equine jejunum. Objective: To compare ex vivo: 1) construction time; 2) bursting pressure; and 3) lumen size reduction of 3 suture patterns (double layer simple continuous/Cushing pattern [2C]; single layer Lembert pattern [1L]; and single layer Cushing ...
McGlinchey L, Boone LH, Munsterman AS, Coleridge MOD, Rosanowski SM, Farag R, Hanson RR.To evaluate the effect of exposure to a balanced electrolyte solution (BES), or equine abdominal fat on the knot-holding capacity (KHC), relative knot security (RKS), weight, and volume of forwarder knots versus surgeon's knots. Methods: 315 knots tied and tested in vitro. Methods: United States Pharmacopeia size-3 polyglactin 910 suture exposed to air (dry [control]), equine abdominal fat (fat-exposed), or BES (BES-exposed) was used to tie forwarder knots with 2, 3, and 4 throws and surgeon's knots with 5, 6, 7, and 8 throws. A universal materials testing machine was used to test the tensile ...
Albanese V, Hanson RR, McMaster MA, Koehler JW, Caldwell FJ.To evaluate use of a knotless suture for laparoscopic closure of the equine nephrosplenic space. Methods: Experimental in vivo study. Methods: Normal horses without previous history of abdominal surgery (n=8). Methods: The nephrosplenic space was closed under laparoscopic visualization using a unidirectional, barbed 0 metric absorbable suture (copolymer of glycolic acid and trimethylene carbonate). Intracorporeal suturing of the nephrosplenic space was performed in a cranial-to-caudal direction in a simple continuous fashion. Repeat evaluation was performed laparoscopically in 2 horses and by ...
Major DS, Duff AH, Cohen ND, Hardy J.To compare laparoscopic single-layer versus double-layer closure of experimental, full-thickness incisions in adult equine urinary bladders using unidirectional and bidirectional barbed suture. Methods: Experimental, ex vivo, surgical study. Methods: Thirty adult equine cadaver urinary bladders. Methods: Bladders were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6): intact controls, bladders sutured with unidirectional or bidirectional barbed suture in a single-layer closure, and bladders sutured with unidirectional or bidirectional barbed suture in a double-layer closure. A 5-cm apical incision wa...
Röcken M, Mosel G, Barske K, Witte TS.To describe successful repair of a diaphragmatic hernia in a standing sedated horse using a minimally invasive thoracoscopic technique. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: Warmblood mare with a diaphragmatic hernia. Results: An 18-year-old Warmblood mare with severe colic was referred for surgical treatment of small intestinal strangulation in a diaphragmatic defect. Twelve days after initial conventional colic surgery, left-sided laparoscopy in the standing sedated mare for diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy failed because the spleen obscured the hernia. One week later, a left-sided thoracoscopy was ...
Sanders RE, Kearney CM, Buckley CT, Jenner F, Brama PA.To evaluate knot security for 3 knot types created in 3 commonly used 5 metric suture materials incubated in physiological and pathological fluids. Methods: In vitro mechanical study. Methods: Knotted suture loops (n = 5/group). Methods: Loops of 3 different suture materials (glycolide/lactide copolymer; polyglactin 910; polydioxanone) were created around a 20 mm rod using 3 knot types (square [SQ], surgeon's [SK], and triple knot [TK]) and were tested to failure in distraction (6 mm/min) after tying (day 0) and after being incubated for 14 and 28 days in phosphate buffered saline (PBS...
Baxter GM, Hunt RJ, Tyler DE, Parks AH, Jackman BR.Hand sutured end-to-end (EE) and stapled side-to-side (SS) small intestinal anastomoses were performed in 10 healthy adult horses. In five SS anastomoses, staple lines on the blind ends of the jejunum were inverted (SSI) and in five they were not (SSNI). Five EE anastomoses were sutured with polydioxanone and five were sutured with polyglyconate. All horses were euthanatized on day 30. Intra-abdominal adhesions were graded (0-4), and stomal areas were calculated from contrast radiographs made with the bowel distended. Histopathology scores for the anastomoses were based on the degree of inflam...
Brandenberger O, Rossignol F, Perkins JD, Lechartier A, Mespoulhès-Rivière C, Vitte A, Rossignol A, Ducharme N, Boening KJ.To determine the biomechanical properties of 5 suture constructs in the equine cricoid under cyclic loading and load to failure testing. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Seventy-five equine cadaver larynges. Methods: Each larynx was implanted with 1 of 5 cricoid-suture constructs. The standard laryngoplasty, where a suture is passed once through the cricoid, including its caudal edge, was used in 2 constructs: 1 with 5 USP Ethibond (ES) and 1 with 2 mm Fibertape (FS). In the third construct, the 2 mm Fibertape was passed twice through the cricoid including its caudal edge (Double Loop-DL). Con...
Coleridge M, Gillen AM, Farag R, Hanson RR, Munsterman AS.To investigate the knot holding capacity (KHC) of pattern-ending square, surgeon's and Aberdeen knots each tied in 4 throw combinations using large gauge suture after exposure to media commonly found in equine abdominal surgery. Methods: In vitro mechanical study. Methods: Knotted suture strands (n = 10/group). Methods: Strands of 2 polydioxanone or 3 polyglactin 910 were exposed to 1 of 4 media for 15 minutes. Control suture strands remained dry. Media used included balanced electrolyte solution, 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, equine serum, or equine fat. Pattern-ending knots for the 3...
Campbell EJ, Bailey JV.Tensile testing of reproducible loops of size 5 braided polyester, size 2 polyglycolic acid, size 2 monofilament nylon, and size 2 polydioxanone sutures was performed in vitro and after subcutaneous implantation in horses for 7, 14, and 28 days. Maximum breaking strength, energy absorption, and percentage elongation to breakage point were measured. Size 5 braided polyester had the highest maximum breaking strength and energy absorption over 28 days. Polydioxanone had better mechanical performance over 28 days than did polyglycolic acid. On day 28, none of these parameters was measurable in pol...
Jann HW, Stein LE, Good JK.Size 3-0 polydioxanone was used as a single strand, single braid (3 strands), or double braid (6 strands) to create six suture material-pattern combinations for equine tenorrhaphy: single-strand locking loop, single-braid locking loop, double-braid locking loop, single-strand three-loop pulley, single-braid three-loop pulley, and double-braid three-loop pulley. Maximum load to failure for the single-strand locking loop (46.1 +/- 2.9 newtons [N]) was less than for all other sutures (range, 103-155 N). The load required to form a 2 mm gap between tendon ends was greater for the single-braid thre...
Anderson SL, Bracamonte JL, Hendrick S, Carmalt JL, Wilson DG.To compare bursting strength and failure mode between ventral median celiotomies closed with USP 7 braided polydioxanone (7PD) or USP 2 polyglactin 910 (2PG). Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 10). Methods: A 25 cm ventral median celiotomy was created in fresh equine cadavers. A 200 L polyurethane bladder was inserted into the abdomen. Celiotomies were closed in a simple continuous pattern with 2 sections of 7PD or 2PG. The bladder was inflated with compressed air until construct failure. The horses' signalment, body weight, suture type, failure mode (suture or abdom...
Rodgerson DH, Spirito MA, Thorpe PE, Hanson RR.Two surgical techniques were used to evert the bladder into the vagina for observation and repair of bladder tears that were associated with parturition. One technique involved an incision through the vaginal floor into the peritoneal cavity just caudal to the cervix, and prolapse of the bladder into the vagina. The second technique involved a 3-cm incision through the urethra, 5 cm cranial to the urethral orifice, and digital exploration of the tear and finger traction to evert the bladder through the urethral incision. In both mares, the bladder defects were repaired in two layers, with use ...
Bertone AL, Stashak TS, Smith FW, Norrdin RW.In nine horses (18 forelimbs), a 3 cm section of superficial digital flexor tendon was removed and the tendons were repaired with immobilization for 6 weeks and (1) no suture (n = 6); (2) a double locking loop tenorrhaphy with carbon fiber (n = 6); or (3) a double locking loop tenorrhaphy with size 2 nylon suture (n = 6). Clinical assessment, gross evaluation, morphometry, histology, and mechanical testing were performed on two limbs from each treatment group at weeks 6, 12, and 24. At weeks 6 and 12, the unsutured tissue was less mature than the tissue sutured with nylon. By week 24, the carb...
Ahern BJ, Boston RC, Parente EJ.Mechanical evaluation of a novel alternate laryngoplasty system (ALPS). Methods: Experimental. Methods: Cadaveric horse larynges (n = 10). Methods: Arytenoid and cricoid cartilages were embedded for testing. A novel laryngoplasty system consisting of a metallic anchor, 2 stands of #2 suture material, and a metallic button were evaluated. A traditional laryngoplasty using a single strand of #5 Ethibond was evaluated in parallel. Constructs were evaluated in cyclic testing oscillating from 30 to 50 N for 3600 cycles. Constructs subsequently underwent a single cycle to failure. Distraction during...
Sinovich M, Archer DC, Meunier NV, Kelly PG.To evaluate two different barbed sutures for closure of pelvic flexure enterotomies and compare results achieved with two previously described closure techniques. Methods: Ex vivo. Methods: Twenty-four fresh cadaver adult equine large colons. Methods: Cadavers were randomly assigned to four closure groups (n = 6 each group): single-layer absorbable suture, double-layer absorbable suture, single-layer unidirectional barbed suture, or single-layer bidirectional barbed suture. Construction time, luminal reduction (percentage), bursting pressure, and method of failure were measured. Cost, leakage,...
Wilson DA.The equine practitioner can positively influence wound healing by dispensing appropriate treatment in the first few hours after injury. Positive actions in the early period include hemostasis, meticulous cleansing and debridement of the wound, the use of effective but nonirritating products to disinfect the wound, closure (if indicated)with minimal tension on the suture line, the judicious use of drains,and ensuring adequate tetanus protection. Furthermore, a thorough assessment of the wound and the patient in the initial period after trauma provides pertinent information on prognosis. Finally...
Reinertson EL.Thirteen horses and ponies were used to evaluate an anastomotic technique utilizing a modified Gambee suture pattern. The modified Gambee technique was compared with a single-row everting technique and a double-row inverting technique. The double-row inverting technique predisposed to intestinal obstruction and resulted in minimal adhesions. The everting technique predisposed to leakage of intestinal contents and subsequent peritonitis. Adhesions were formed at the site of the anastomosis to such an extent as to jeopardize the proper position of the bowel. The technique did not cause any lumin...
Magee AA, Galuppo LD.To determine the bursting strength of ventral median abdominal incisions closed by either simple continuous or inverted cruciate suture patterns. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Twelve equine cadavers. Methods: A 25 cm ventral median incision was made through the linea alba and a 200 L polyurethane bladder was placed within the abdomen. Either a simple continuous or an inverted cruciate pattern using 3 polyglactin 910 with a bite size and suture interval of 1.5 cm was used to close linea incisions. Closure time was recorded for each pattern. The bladder was inflated with air at 40 L/min, and t...
Ahern BJ, Van Eps AW, Boston RC, Franklin SH.To determine the degree and ease of arytenoid abduction achieved with abaxial placement of a FASTak II suture anchor compared to 2 suture patterns with different directions of insertion-caudomedial to craniolateral and medial to lateral. Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Cadaveric larynges from 10 Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Each larynx was sequentially instrumented with all 3 arytenoid suture attachment in random order: (1) abaxial placement of a FASTak II suture, (2) caudomedial to craniolateral suture, and (3) medial to lateral suture placement. Each construct was abducted at 5N...
Adler DMT, Østergaard S, Jørgensen E, Jacobsen S.Castration of the stallion is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the horse. Recently barbed suture materials for surgical wound closure were introduced to the market with manufacturers claiming that these sutures enhance speed and security as they eliminate the need to tie knots. Recently, it has been suggested that this type of suture may increase postoperative complications. This study aimed at investigating and comparing a bidirectional absorbable knotless barbed suture (KBS) to a conventional smooth suture (SS) for wound closure of inguinal castrations in the horse...
Bacci S, Meucci V, Sgorbini M, De Marchi L, Pirone A, Pretti C, Tognetti R, Intorre L.Antimicrobial prescriptions of the University of Pisa and their compliance with prudent use recommendations were investigated over 11 years (2011-2021). At least one antimicrobial was always prescribed in surgical prophylaxis for the suture of wounds and in 33% of horses with signs of disease of a body system. Antimicrobials were administered in monotherapy (48%) in fixed dose combinations (21%) and empirical combinations (31%). Antimicrobials were mostly (63%) administered by parenteral route, while oral and topical antimicrobials accounted for 14% and 23% of prescriptions, respectively. Gen...
Ahern BJ, Parente EJ.Mechanical evaluation of the equine laryngoplasty. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Cadaveric cricoid (n=36) and arytenoid (46) cartilages. Methods: Arytenoid and cricoid cartilage specimens were embedded for testing. Suture material (2 Ethilon, 5 Ethibond, or 5 Fiberwire) was inserted simulating laryngoplasty procedures. Constructs were evaluated in single or cyclic loading. Single cycle tests recorded load at failure and stiffness. Cyclical tests recorded displacement after 10,000 cycles. ANOVA and t-tests were used (significance P<.05). Results: The arytenoid Ethibond (241.10+/-47.67 N) cons...
Stick JA, Krehbiel JD, Kunze DJ, Wortman JA.Esophageal healing was evaluated in 10 ponies after sutured and nonsutured cervical esophagotomy techniques. Mucosal healing occurred significantly (P less than 0.005) faster after sutured esophagotomies (x = 7.5 days after surgery) than after nonsutured esophagotomies (x = 25.6 days after surgery), based on endoscopic and clinical evaluations. Although endoscopy was an accurate assessment of the return of normal passage of a food bolus through the esophagus, 4 of 10 ponies had radiographic evidence of a sinus tract after the mucosa was considered healed, based on endoscopic and clinical exami...
Gandini M, Giusto G, Comino F, Pagliara E.In literature only one article describes and compares methods of achieving hemostasis in equine mesenteric arteries during jejunal resection and anastomosis, and most textbooks favor ligating-dividing mechanical devices. The latter method cannot always be used, not least because the devices are expensive and in some cases even contra-indicated. Various types of knots, including sliding knots, are widely used to provide hemostasis in laparoscopy. Methods: Portions of jejunum with associated mesenteric vessels were collected from 12 horses at a local abattoir. These were divided into 24 specimen...
