Comparison of incisional bursting strength of a bidirectional absorbable knotless suture material versus a standard continuous absorbable suture material for closure of the equine linea alba

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the use of bidirectional knotless barbed suture material for closure of the equine linea alba.

Study design: Laboratory study.

Animal or sample population: Adult light horse cadavers (n = 24).

Methods: A 25 cm incision was made through the linea alba, and a 200 L polyurethane bladder was positioned within the abdomen. The linea alba was closed either using USP2/EP5 bidirectional polydioxanone barbed suture or USP2/EP5 standard polydioxanone suture in a simple continuous pattern. Closure time was recorded for each suture type. The bladder was air-insufflated at 40 L/min, and the pressure at body wall failure recorded. The length of suture used for wound closure and wound failure modes were recorded. Suture length, closure time, bursting pressure, and failure modes were compared using Welch-Aspin t-tests.

Results: The incisional bursting pressure was comparable between the two groups (p > .05). Less suture material (p < .01) was required with the barbed suture than the standard suture. Closure time was less for the barbed suture than the standard suture (p < .01). Suture failure was the main failure mode in both groups (83% cases).

Conclusions: Closure of the equine linea alba using bidirectional barbed suture material reduced the amount of foreign material in the wound and decreased closure time without compromising incisional strength.

Clinical relevance: Bidirectional barbed suture material could be considered as an alternative to standard suture materials for closure of the equine line alba.