Comparison of the zip skin closure system with conventional suture for skin closure of ventral midline incisions in horses.

The study compares two methods of surgical skin closure – the zip skin closure system (ZSCS) and sutures – in an experiment done on horses. The research found that the ZSCS provided quicker closure and a better cosmetic outcome without affecting the healing process.

Methodology

• The research was designed as a prospective, randomized experimental study.
• Eight adult horses underwent exploratory ventral midline celiotomy, in which a standardized 30-cm skin incision was made.
• The participating horses were then randomized. The cranial 15 cm of the incision on each horse was closed with sutures and the other half with the ZSCS, or vice versa, creating what the researchers referred to as a split-scar model.
• The time taken for skin closure was recorded and later compared.
• Both photography and skin biopsies were taken before the surgeries and again 14 days afterward to assess healing.
• The cosmetic outcome was evaluated using a proposed equine celiotomy incision score.

Results

• According to the recorded times, the ZSCS allowed for quicker skin closure than the sutures.
• Fourteen days post-surgery, the incisions closed with the ZSCS had better scores on the equine celiotomy incision score, indicating superior cosmetic outcomes.
• There was no significant difference between the two methods in terms of histological healing scores. This suggests that the method of closure did not affect the healing process.
• Subcuticular sutures were linked to deep dermal inflammation and necrosis, irrespective of the method of epidermal closure used.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that despite certain limitations, the ZSCS is a viable method for closure of linear wounds or incisions in horses.
• This is due to its potential benefits including speedy closure, improved cosmetic outcome, and satisfactory healing process.