Biocompatibility and postoperative complications of different subcutaneous suturing methods in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy by midline incision

Abstract

This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of three different closure techniques on postoperative pain and surgical complications in cats. It was a randomized, clinical trial conducted at different veterinary clinics in Lahore, Pakistan. Forty-eight (n = 48) cats underwent midline incision for ovariohysterectomy and were assigned to one of three Groups representing different closure methods. In Group A, continuous subcutaneous apposition was carried out with buried knots and intermittent tacking to the rectus fascia (Group A, n=16) in a quilting fashion to obliterate dead space using Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl™) USP 3-0 suture, superimposed by horizontal mattress pattern employing Polypropylene (Prolene™) USP 2-0. Individuals of Group B were subjected to continuous subcutaneous apposition with buried knots without incorporating any fascia (Group B, n=16) by means of Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl™) USP 3-0 suture overlaid with horizontal mattress sutures pattern via Polypropylene (Prolene™) USP 2-0. While in Group C, no subcutaneous closure was performed and edges of skin were sutured in a horizontal mattress pattern (Group C, n=16). Incidence of post-operative complications such as seroma, erythema, dehiscence and exudative discharge were rare in Group A due to subcutaneous attachment with muscle sheet. Moreover, mechanical threshold to peri-incisional stimulation was significantly improved in Group A as well. However, pain and discomfort scores according to feline composite pain scale were comparable across all cases at 2nd ,8th and 14th day after surgery. In conclusion, suturing subcutaneous tissues in a quilting fashion reduced seroma formation and mechanical pain threshold in cats undergoing abdominal closure during ovariohysterectomy.