Bidirectional knotless barbed versus conventional smooth suture for closure of surgical wounds in inguinal castration in horses.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
This research compares the use of a knotless barbed suture to a conventional smooth suture for wound closure in equine castrations, finding that the barbed suture does not increase postoperative complications and reduces suturing time.
Objective of the Research
The goal of this study was to examine whether a new type of suture material – a bidirectional absorbable knotless barbed suture (KBS) – could improve outcomes and efficiency in castrations of stallions, compared to conventional smooth suture (SS). The researchers were testing manufacturer claims that this KBS is quicker to use and may be more secure, because it eliminates the requirement for tied knots.
Methodology
To achieve this objective,
- The team carried out bilateral inguinal castration on 45 horses at the Large Animal Teaching Hospital at the University of Copenhagen between September 2017 and May 2019.
- They monitored both short-term and post-discharge complications after the procedure to evaluate any impact of the suture material,
- and analyzed the time taken to finish the suturing portion of the surgery.
Outcomes
The results showed short-term complications were minimal, whether KBS or SS was used:
- Within 24 hours post-surgery, minor swelling was observed in about a third of horses irrespective of the type of suture used.
- Furthermore, in both groups, two horses each showed cutaneous dehiscence (splitting along a natural or surgical seam) during recovery.
After discharge from the hospital,
- Three horses needed veterinary care for treatment of complications such as scrotal swelling, wound exudation and wound dehiscence after returning to pasture.
- It was found that KBS was able to close wounds six minutes faster than SS.
Conclusions
The use of a KBS did not lead to an increased number of postoperative complications, contradicting earlier suggestions that these kinds of sutures might add to complications. Importantly, the time saved with KBS compared to SS during the suturing procedure confirmed the manufacture’s claim about the improved efficiency. The researchers concluded that KBS can be used safely in horse castrations without increased risk and with a reduction in suturing time.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark. dima@sund.ku.dk.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Operative Time
- Orchiectomy / adverse effects
- Orchiectomy / instrumentation
- Orchiectomy / veterinary
- Postoperative Complications / veterinary
- Suture Techniques / veterinary
- Sutures / veterinary
Conflict of Interest Statement
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