Ex vivo comparison of bursting strength of ventral median and right ventral paramedian celiotomies in horses.
Authors: Anderson Stacy L, Bracamonte José L, Hendrick Steve, Carmalt James L, Wilson David G
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Celiotomy Closure Strength in Horses Surgical site complications remain a significant concern following equine colic surgery, prompting this ex vivo investigation into whether the choice of incision approach influences closure strength. Researchers created 25 cm celiotomies in 12 equine cadavers using either ventral median or right ventral paramedian techniques, closed each with a single section of size 7 polydioxanone suture in simple continuous pattern, then pressurised an internal bladder until construct failure to measure bursting strength. Ventral median incisions demonstrated significantly greater bursting strength than paramedian closures (P = 0.039 when controlling for confounding variables), with strength declining markedly as patient age increased and Quarter horse-type breeds showing notably lower bursting strength than other breeds. Critically, no closures failed at the suture line itself—all failures occurred in the abdominal wall tissue, suggesting adequate suture technique but highlighting anatomical differences in fascial integrity between approaches and breeds. For practitioners, these findings support ventral median celiotomy as the mechanically superior closure approach in colic cases, whilst flagging that older horses and certain breeds may represent higher-risk populations for postoperative complications regardless of surgical technique.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •For colic surgery, ventral median incisions provide better wound strength than paramedian approaches when using single-section suture closure — consider this when selecting incision type
- •Older horses may have compromised abdominal wall healing capacity; pay particular attention to post-operative care and activity restriction in geriatric patients
- •Quarter horses and Quarter horse crosses may be at higher risk for post-operative complications related to incision healing — monitor these individuals more closely and consider modified post-operative management
Key Findings
- •Ventral median (VM) celiotomies demonstrated significantly greater bursting strength than right ventral paramedian (RVP) celiotomies when age and breed were controlled (P = 0.039)
- •Increasing age had a negative effect on celiotomy bursting strength (P = 0.002)
- •Quarter horse-type breeds showed lower bursting strength compared with non-Quarter horse-type breeds (P = 0.01)
- •No celiotomies failed at the suture line; all failures occurred in the abdominal wall tissue itself