Complications associated with closure of the linea alba using a combination of interrupted vertical mattress and simple interrupted sutures in equine laparotomies.

The research paper explores the complications associated with closing the linea alba (middle line of the belly) in horses undergoing ventral median laparotomy (surgical incision in the middle of the abdomen) using interrupted vertical mattress sutures (IVMS) and identifies the associated variables in incisional morbidities and bandage-related complications.

Methodology

• The researchers tested two groups; the single laparotomies group (SL group, consisting of 546 horses) and the repeat laparotomies group (RL group, comprising 30 horses that underwent multiple laparotomies within four weeks). The study only included horses that survived for at least seven days postoperatively.
• The team conducted univariate analysis (which studies the range and distribution of a specific variable) and multivariate logistic regression (which evaluates the influence of several variables on one binary outcome) to identify variables related to incisional morbidities (IM).

Findings

• The incidence of IM was 9.52% in the SL group and 33.33% in the RL group. Meanwhile, the confirmed infection rates were 5.31% for the SL group and 26.67% for the RL group.
• The research revealed long-term clinically relevant wound issues in 1.68% of cases. Consequently, it showed bandage-related complications in 2.95% of instances.
• An analysis revealed that longer anaesthesia duration was linked to IM in the SL group. Additionally, performing an enterotomy (a surgical incision into the intestine) and postoperative intravenous lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) administration correlated to incisional infection in this group. However, no significant parameter was found concerning the RL group.

Conclusion

• Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that using IVMS to close the linea alba is a valid option that does not provoke significant complications.
• On a similar note, they suggested that an abdominal bandage does not create notable complications.