An In Vitro Comparison of Two Suture Intervals Using Braided Absorbable Loop Suture in the Equine Linea Alba

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To compare bursting strength and failure modes of ventral median abdominal incisions closed with loop suture in a simple continuous pattern using two different suture-bite intervals. In vitro experiment. Equine cadavers (n=14; weighing >318 kg; postmortem interval <2 hours). A template was used to make a 25 cm incision with suture interval and bite size of either 1.0 cm x 1.5 cm or 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm. A 200 L polyurethane bladder was inserted within the abdomen and insufflated to create abdominal wall tension. Celiotomies were closed with a #2 braided lactomer 9-1 continuous pattern with a loop suture. Deviation from the linea, closure time (minutes), total suture length (cm), suture length to wound ratio (SL:WL), bursting pressure (mm Hg), and failure modes (fascial or suture) were compared between groups using a Mann-Whitney U test. Significance was set at P<.05. No significant differences were identified between closing time, total suture length used, SL:WL, bursting pressure, or failure mode. Fascial failure was the main failure mode for both techniques; suture failure occurred rarely and knot failure did not occur. Based on the overall bursting pressure and failure mode, #2 braided lactomer loop suture placed in a continuous pattern should provide sufficient security for closure of the equine linea alba during recovery and the immediate postoperative period. Although there were no significant differences in the 2 patterns evaluated, the 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm pattern may have potential advantages for closure time, less total suture remaining in the wound, and strength.