Difference in incisional complications following exploratory celiotomies using antibacterial-coated suture material for subcutaneous closure: Prospective randomised study in 100 horses.

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Antibacterial-coated suture in equine celiotomy closure Incisional complications represent a significant post-operative burden following exploratory celiotomy in horses, extending hospitalisation, delaying return to work, and substantially increasing costs—prompting investigation of preventative closure techniques. Bischofberger and colleagues conducted a prospective randomised trial in 100 horses undergoing ventral midline celiotomy, comparing subcutaneous closure using antibacterial-coated suture material against conventional suture for incisional complications over the post-operative period. The use of antibacterial-coated suture demonstrated a measurable reduction in infection rates and other incisional complications, with outcomes measured through systematic post-operative assessment. For practitioners managing post-operative colic cases, this finding offers a simple, evidence-based modification to closure protocols that warrants consideration as a cost-effective strategy to reduce common and costly post-operative morbidity. The relatively modest additional expense of antibacterial-coated materials may be offset by avoiding complications that extend hospitalisation and compromise welfare outcomes during the critical healing phase.

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Key Findings

• •Study compared antibacterial-coated suture material versus standard suture for subcutaneous closure in ventral midline celiotomy incisions
• •Incisional complications following exploratory celiotomy were evaluated as primary outcome measure
• •Investigation focused on preventative procedures to reduce post-operative morbidity in horses undergoing abdominal surgery

Conditions Studied