The efficacy of n‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for closure of canine laparoscopic ovariectomy port site incisions

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate used to close port site skin incisions following canine laparoscopic ovariectomy and to assess owner attitudes to surgical adhesive. The case records of dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy at a single centre during a 42-month period were examined. Dogs with incisions closed with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate were included. Cases with less than 8 weeks follow-up were excluded. Data relating to dehiscence, swelling, erythema, discharge or hypersensitivity postoperatively were recorded and reviewed. Postal questionnaires were sent to the dogs' owners. A total of 289 dogs satisfied inclusion criteria. No complications occurred in 602 of 695 (86 · 6%) incisions. Complications occurred in 93 of 695 (13 · 4%) incisions: 33 of 695 (4 · 7%) dehisced, 38 of 695 (5 · 5%) swelled postoperatively, 59 of 695 (8 · 5%) developed erythema and 29 of 695 (4 · 2%) developed a discharge. Complications were significantly more likely for a 10 mm incision than for a 5 mm incision (P < 0 · 001). There were no reported cases of hypersensitivity relating to the use of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate, nor any long-term adverse reactions. When owners scored incisions for scarring using a visual analogue scale (0: excellent, 10: poor) the mean and median scores were 0 · 7 and 0, respectively. This study suggests that n-butyl-cyanoacrylate is an acceptable method for closing laparoscopic port sites in dogs.