Research Summary - 4
Ex vivo comparison of incisional bursting pressure of ventral midline laparotomy closed with simple continuous or interrupted cruciate pattern
| Date/Time: |
8/29/2026
15:00
|
| Author: |
Jenna E Bayne |
| Clinic: |
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine |
| City, State, ZIP: |
Auburn, AL 36849 |
J.E. Bayne , DVM, PhD, DACVIM
1
;
L. Boone, DVM, PhD, DACVS
1
;
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
Introduction:
Laparotomy in small ruminants is common; flank approaches are typical, but ventral midline celiotomy is sometimes preferred. In contrast to the extensive equine literature, limited research evaluates abdominal closure techniques or incisional complications in ruminants and improved understanding is needed. The objectives of this study were to compare the bursting strength of two suture patterns for ventral midline laparotomy closure and to describe mechanisms of abdominal failure. We hypothesized that simple continuous closure would result in greater bursting strength and that suture failure would occur more commonly with interrupted cruciate closure.
Materials and methods:
Cadavers of 12 mature mixed-breed sheep without abdominal wall abnormalities were randomly assigned to simple continuous (SC; n=6) or interrupted cruciate (IC; n=6) closure groups. A ventral midline incision was created with the skin extending from 5 cm cranial to the umbilicus to 25 cm caudal, and the linea alba from the umbilicus to 20 cm caudal. A custom 50-L polyurethane bladder was placed in the abdominal cavity. The linea alba was closed using #2 polydioxanone with 1-cm bite spacing. Compressed air was introduced into the bladder at 15 L/min until failure, defined as the maximum pressure before sudden pressure loss. Mode of failure was assessed via video and gross observation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (p<0.05).
Results:
Mean ±SD bursting pressure (mmHg) was not different between groups (p=0.62). Most cadavers failed at the fascia (10/12) with only two incisions failing at the knot/suture interface, both closed with IC. Both incisions also had the lowest bursting pressures of the IC group. However, difference in failure mode between groups did not reach significance (p=0.05).
Significance:
Caudally placed ventral midline laparotomy incisions in sheep closed with either simple continuous or interrupted cruciate patterns provide similar strength and are appropriate options for abdominal closure.
