Tissue reactivity to poliglecaprone 25 in the feline linea alba

Abstract

Objective - To use poliglecaprone 25 for all ligations and closure in routine feline ovariohysterectomies and evaluate maintenance of tissue approximation and tissue reaction to the suture. Study Design - Prospective, descriptive study. Animals - Twenty four female cats. Methods - Ovariohysterectomies were performed in all cats. Abdominal incisions were inspected on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 for dehiscence and swelling. All cats were euthanatized postoperatively, group 1 on day 7; group 2 on day 14; and group 3 on day 28. The peritoneal cavity was inspected for adhesions and all abdominal incisions were collected en bloc. Each linea alba was histologically evaluated and the inflammatory reaction was characterized. Results - Dehiscence did not occur in any of the 24 cats. The incisional swelling on day 1 was significantly smaller than on day 7, and the swelling on day 14 was significantly smaller than on days 1, 3, and 7 (P < .05). Intra-abdominal adhesions were found in all groups with the greatest number associated with the peritoneum at the incision site. Tissue reactions in group 1 were pyogranulomatous or fibromononuclear, group 2 were granulomatous or fibromononuclear, and group 3 were pyogranulomatous, granulomatous, fibromononuclear or fibrous. Eosinophilic infiltration was seen in 3 of the 8 cats in group 1. Conclusions - Incisional swelling and inflammatory reactions seen with poliglecaprone 25 were consistent with those anticipated after implantation of suture in a surgically created wound. Clinical Relevance - Poliglecaprone 25 appears to be an acceptable suture for use in feline ovariohysterectomy. It causes a relatively short-lived inflammatory response. ©Copyright 1999 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.