[Dexon, applicability in the horse (author’s transl)].

This research tested the effectiveness of Dexon, a new synthetic absorbable suture material, in suturing the extremities of horses and concluded its advantageous use over traditional suturing materials like catgut, vetafil, or mersilene.

Understanding Dexon

• Dexon is a novel synthetic suture material that has absorbable qualities. It is already stitched into the body, primarily intended to hold tissues together after a surgical procedure, and is actually designed to be absorbed by the body over time.
• The need to introduce Dexon comes from the desire for a more effective, efficient suturing material that does not need to be removed after the healing process, unlike some traditional suturing materials.

The Experiment

• In the study, 65 horses underwent procedures that necessitated suturing, mainly in the extremities. These procedures provided the opportunity to test the use of Dexon as a suture material.
• The situations varied in which the Dexon was used, with some requiring buried sutures and others skin closure. This variation ensured a comprehensive testing of the new material in different surgical situations.

Comparison with Traditional Suture Materials

• For comparison, situations were selected where traditional suture materials like catgut, vetafil, or mersilene would usually be used. By replacing these traditional materials with Dexon, it allowed for a direct comparison between the new material and what was typically used.

Results and Conclusion

• The results showed that Dexon was technically a pleasant material to use. Its applicability as an effective surgical suture material is evident in its ability to be used effectively for suturing in various procedures.
• The advantage of Dexon over traditional suturing materials is its absorptive properties, meaning it does not have to be removed after the surgery. It essentially dissolves or is absorbed into the body, reducing the need for follow-up procedures to remove sutures, and possibly lessening the recovery time and discomfort for the horse.