Simple Continuous Pattern Research Articles (Page 1)

To compare the ease of visibility of lactated Ringer solutions with and without added dyes during leak testing of porcine cadaveric intestinal segments that underwent simple enterotomy. 30 unpreserved jejunal segments were randomized into 1 of the 3 treatment groups as follows: lactated Ringer solution, fluorescein, and methylene blue. The preparation of tissues and experimentation was performed on September 17 and 18, 2024. Two-cm enterotomy incisions were made on the antimesenteric border and closed with a simple continuous suture pattern, leaving a 3-mm gap at the end of each closure. The randomly assigned solution was infused into each segment until leakage from the enterotomy gap was detected. Likert scores rating the ease of visibility of leakage detected by 1 of 2 observers, time to observed leakage, and volume infused were recorded. No statistical difference in Likert scores, time, or volume was detected among treatment groups. Observer results were independent of each other, and a high correlation between time and volume was demonstrated. A trend illustrating higher confidence and faster recognition in leak detection was noted for the fluorescein and methylene blue solutions compared to the nondyed lactated Ringer solution for both observers. Ease of leakage identification and time to leak observation resulted in higher confidence and faster recognition with the use of a dyed solution compared to a nondyed solution. The use of dyed solutions may facilitate the detection of intestinal leakage after enterotomy closure, and fluorescein is a comparable alternative to methylene blue for this purpose.

SummaryA 4‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was presented with a history of severe colic signs that were non‐responsive to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. During initial evaluation, distended small intestine was observed, together with continued colic signs and a serosanguinous abdominocentesis sample. It was therefore elected to perform an exploratory laparotomy to ascertain and resolve the source of colic. Intraoperatively, a 2 cm horizontal defect was located at the junction between the diaphragm and the left 12th rib, midway between the dorsal and ventral body walls. One metre of small intestine was entrapped within the thoracic cavity. The diaphragmatic defect was digitally extended to 6 cm to allow safe exteriorisation of the intestine. The resulting defect extended from just left of midline to the body wall; the defect was sutured closed using 4 M polyglactin 910 in a simple continuous pattern, utilising forwarder and Aberdeen self‐locking knots. Subsequently, the horse also underwent a jejunoileostomy. The horse progressed well post‐operatively, with the exception of an incisional infection. Repeat thoracic evaluation 2 weeks post‐operatively and again 6 months post‐operatively revealed no evidence of reoccurrence.

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland, typically caused by infectious microorganisms or physical injury to the udder. In this case, a milk sample was cultured on blood agar, and a catalase test was performed as part of the biochemical identification. Surgical intervention involved amputation of the affected teats, followed by closure of the udder using a simple continuous suture pattern. Postoperative management included administration of antibiotics, multivitamins, anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics. Laboratory results indicated the growth of Staphylococcus aureus on blood agar, with the catalase test yielding a positive result.

Inguinal hernia is the protrusion of an organ, part of an organ, fat, or tissue through the inguinal ring, located between the groin and abdominal muscles. This case study aims to understand the diagnostic methods and management of inguinal hernia in a domestic cat. A three-month-old male domestic cat weighing 1 kg presented with a lump in the inguinal area. After clinical and radiographic examinations, the cat was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia with a favorable prognosis. Treatment was performed surgically using the herniorrhaphy technique to reposition the herniated contents into the abdominal cavity. Before surgery, the cat was given premedication with atropine (V-tropine® 0.02 mg/kg BW SC), followed by anesthesia using a combination of xylazine (xylazine® 1 mg/kg BW) and ketamine (ketamine® 11 mg/kg BW) intravenously. The surgical procedure involved repositioning the herniated contents and modifying the hernia ring to allow tissue adhesion. Layered suturing was performed using polyglycolic acid 3.0 for the peritoneum (simple interrupted pattern), catgut 3.0 for the subcutaneous layer (simple continuous pattern), and silk 2.0 for the skin (simple interrupted pattern). Postoperatively, the cat was administered cefotaxime (cefotaxime® 20 mg/kg BW q12h IM) for three days and tolfenamic acid (tolfedine® 4 mg/kg BW q24h IM) for four days, followed by cefixime (cefixime® 10 mg/kg BW q12h PO). On the eighth day, the cat was declared fully recovered with stable clinical conditions, good appetite, and normal urination and defecation. Surgical intervention using the herniorrhaphy technique proved effective in treating inguinal hernia in domestic cats, ensuring a fast recovery and a high success rate. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications, such as organ strangulation, which can lead to necrosis and systemic infection. Therefore, pet owners need to be more vigilant about the symptoms of inguinal hernia and promptly take their pets to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment

Prolapsed nictitating membrane gland, or "cherry eye," is a common ocular condition in dogs, characterized by protrusion of the third eyelid gland due to weakened connective tissue, often causing inflammation and infection. A 1-year-old, 11 kg male Kintamani dog presented with a persistent reddish mass protruding from the corner of the right eye for three months. Clinical examination, history, and physical findings confirmed nictitating membrane prolapse (cherry eye), with a favorable prognosis. Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid prolapses from its normal position, forming a swollen red mass at the medial canthus. Surgical correction was performed using the Morgan's pocket technique. The dog was premedicated with atropine sulfate, and anesthesia was induced using xylazine and ketamine. The prolapsed gland was repositioned between the two incision lines with gentle downward pressure and then sutured using 4-0 PGA (Assucryl®) in a simple continuous pattern. Postoperative care included antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops (Cendo Xitrol®: Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate, Dexamethasone) and oral meloxicam for analgesia. By day 13 post-surgery, the eye had fully recovered, with no signs of recurrence or complications.

A 5-year, Aberdeen Angus cow was presented to assess a hard/foreign structure that was felt in the uterus via transrectal palpation. Further diagnostics including transrectal ultrasonography were performed; a fetal bone was in the left uterine horn. Removal of the bone through the cervix was unsuccessful. Colpotomy was elected; removed bone was half of a fetal mandible, presumably a remnant from fetal maceration. Uterus was sutured with a simple continuous pattern; the cow was treated with antimicrobials and antiinflammatory drugs and recovery was uneventful. Ovum pick up was performed 5 months after surgery; several oocytes were collected from both ovaries and 6 embryos were obtained via in vitro fertilization. Cow was pregnant 6 months after surgery.

Suturing is widely regarded to be a core competency of veterinary education. With curricular requirements expanding, training interventions that improve students' suturing skills without added time would be valuable. This study evaluated the effects of stroboscopic visual resistance training, a technique using intermittent occlusion of vision, and guided visualization on suturing technique and speed. Students' anxiety levels were also assessed. Twenty-nine veterinary students with no prior surgical experience were divided into stroboscopic, visualization and control groups. Simple interrupted, simple continuous, and cruciate patterns were taught by an American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)-boarded veterinarian in week 1, and students also took an anxiety test at this time. One-hour-long tutored practice sessions were held for each group in weeks 2, 3, 4 and 6, and assessments were conducted in weeks 5 and 7. Assessments were conducted by a second ACVS-boarded veterinarian blinded to group assignments. Students in the stroboscopic training group had faster suturing times compared to students in the control group for the cruciate pattern at week 5 (p = 0.001) and week 7 (p = 0.006), and faster times compared to students in the visualization group at week 5 (p = 0.002). Students in the stroboscopic training group had faster suturing times than the control group (p = 0.005) for the simple continuous pattern at week 7. No significant differences were observed in anxiety. There was no significant difference in technique scores for any group with any pattern at any time point. Stroboscopic training may result in faster suturing times without deterioration of suturing technique.

Although rarely fatal, complications of ventral midline laparotomy incision in equine patients increase hospitalization cost and duration and may jeopardize return to athletic function. Therefore, many techniques have been developed to reduce their occurrence and expedite their resolution when they occur. Our technique of celiotomy incision closure includes the use of tension sutures (vertical U mattress) of polyglactin 910 on the linea alba, which is then apposed by polyglactin 910 interrupted sutures or a simple continuous pattern suture with a stop midway before routine closure of the superficial layers. The celiotomy incision is protected by an elastic bandage during the immediate postoperative period. This technique has been associated with favorable results: 5.3% confirmed incisional infections after a single celiotomy and 26.7% after repeat celiotomy. The overall incisional complication (serous/sanguineous discharge, hematoma, infection, hernia formation, and complete wound breakdown) occurrence was 9.5% and 33.3% after single and repeat laparotomy, respectively. In cases considered more susceptible to infection (early relaparotomy or laparotomy incisions longer than 30 cm), negative pressure therapy was found easy to apply on closed incisions. No detrimental effects were observed. However, the potential prophylactic benefit of this therapy needs to be confirmed in a larger group. In infected laparotomy wounds requiring drainage, the use of negative pressure therapy seemed to have a positive effect on the formation of granulation tissue. However, there was no control group to allow statistical confirmation. Finally, one case of complete breakdown of the laparotomy incision was managed by stainless steel retention sutures, the application of negative pressure therapy, and a hernia belt. At re-evaluation 15 months post-surgery, several small hernias were detected, but the horse had returned to his previous level of sports performance and had not shown any episode of colic.

To report risk factors associated with conjunctival graft failure in dogs at four referral specialty centers. Records of 203 dogs (229 eyes) undergoing conjunctival graft repair of ulcerative keratitis at four hospitals from 2015 to 2021 were reviewed. Success was defined as full graft integration with globe retention at the last postoperative evaluation; vision status was reported separately. Factors assessed included patient signalment, ophthalmic examination findings, surgical factors, and follow-up information. Conjunctival graft failure occurred in 11% (25/229) of eyes and was significantly associated with ulcer depth, with corneal perforations having increased odds of graft failure compared with descemetoceles (odds ratio [OR] = 3.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-9.32; p = .03) and stromal ulcers (OR = 10.89 [95% CI 1.38-86.18], p = .02). Brachycephalic dogs were significantly more likely than non-brachycephalic dogs to experience graft failure (OR = 5.02 [95% CI 1.42-17.74], p < .01). Surgery on the opposite eye relative to surgeon handedness was significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure (OR 4.28 [95% CI 1.53-11.94], p < .01). The use of 7-0 and 8-0 suture versus 9-0 (p = .03) and the use of a combined simple continuous and interrupted pattern (p = .03) were significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure. At the last follow-up, (median 61.5 days), 87% of dogs were visual. Corneal perforations, surgery on the opposite eye relative to surgeon handedness, suture size and pattern, and brachycephalic conformation were significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure in this study. These characteristics can be considered when determining prognosis for ulcerative keratitis requiring surgical intervention.

Anastomotic leakage is a severe complication associated with gastrointestinal surgery. The process of intestinal wound healing is crucial for the successful outcome of digestive tract surgical repair procedures. This research aimed to determine the impact of silver nanoparticles sheet (Acticoat) on the anastomotic healing of the cecum in rabbits. A total of 48 New Zealand male rabbits in good health were used for cecum transection and anastomosis. The animals were randomized into the control group (C) and the silver nanoparticles group (AgNPs). In the C group, the transected cecum was end-to-end anastomosed with a single layer of simple continuous suture pattern using 3-0 polyglyconate. In contrast, a silver nanoparticle sheet (Acticoat) was covered around the sutured anastomotic line in the AgNPs group. Postoperatively, abdominal ultrasound imaging and the Bristol Rabbit Pain Score (BRPS) were measured on days 7, 15, and 30. Eight rabbits from each group were euthanized at each time point to assess macroscopic findings, bursting pressure tests, tensile strength tests, histopathological examinations, and immunohistochemical analyses. The AgNPs group demonstrated a significant increase in the cecal lumen diameter wall (p ≤ 0.001), burst pressure measurement (p ≤ 0.02), and tensile strength (p ≤ 0.01). Conversely, the AgNPs group had significantly lower BRPS scores (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, histopathological examinations revealed that AgNPs significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration (neutrophils and macrophages) and enhanced collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) of α-SMA and a reduction of CD31 in the anastomotic tissue of the AgNPs group. The results of the present study indicate that the utilization of the AgNPs sheet (Acticoat®) effectively enhanced the strength of cecum anastomosis, resulting in a reduction in anastomosis leakages, pain scores, and abdominal adhesions. Additionally, the bursting pressure values in the rabbit model were significantly increased.

To evaluate different suture patterns for gastrostomy closure, with a focus on major complications and survival time. We hypothesized that using a full-thickness single-layer simple continuous pattern would be as safe as the traditional double-layer pattern and would not be associated with more major complications. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the suture patterns used for gastric closure in clinical situations. 60 dogs that underwent gastrostomy for foreign body removal, with 20 dogs in each group. Dogs treated with gastrotomy from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2023, were randomly assigned to groups based on the suture pattern used at the gastrotomy site. Gastrotomies were closed with a double-layer inverting continuous pattern (DLI) in the DLI group. Gastrotomies were closed using a double-layer simple continuous pattern (DLS) in the DLS group. Gastrotomies were closed with a full-thickness single-layer simple continuous pattern (SLS) in the SLS group. All dogs were discharged from hospitalization. The survival rate did not differ among the 3 groups 1 month postoperatively, and major complications were not observed. Using a full-thickness single-layer pattern is a safe alternative for gastrotomy closure.

Background: No studies have appeared in the literature evaluating the intraluminal volume of injected saline in the canine colon for performing leak tests in colotomy incisions. Aim: To determine the volume of the injected intraluminal saline necessary to achieve an intraluminal pressure of 17.3 cm H2O in 10 cm colonic segments containing a closed colotomy occluded with intestinal forceps or by digital pressure. Methods: Fresh colon was obtained from 8 canine cadavers and divided into 10cm segments. A 3cm antimesenteric colonic incision was performed at each intestinal segment which was closed using a 3-0 polydioxanone suture in a simple continuous pattern. Each colonic construct was occluded with Doyen intestinal forceps or by digital pressure and a leak test was performed by saline infusion. The saline volume needed to achieve a predetermined intraluminal pressure of 17.3 cm H2O, following occlusion was recorded. Results: The mean volume of injected saline with the Doyen intestinal forceps occlusion (20.4 ± 8.2 ml) was significantly larger than that of the digital occlusion technique (17.5 ± 6.8 ml) [ P=0.021]. Conclusion: For 10 cm canine colonic constructs containing a closed colotomy, saline volumes of 20.4 ml with Doyen occlusion and 17.5 ml with digital occlusion can be utilized to achieve intraluminal pressures of 17.3 cm H2O.

To report perioperative complications and client-perceived outcome following laparoscopic surgical treatment for sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) in dogs. Client-owned dogs (n = 9). Medical records were reviewed and perioperative data collected including preoperative diagnostic imaging, operative details, complications, and need for conversion to open celiotomy. A single-incision, multicannulated port was inserted in the subumbilical region followed by placement of an additional 2 or 3 instrument portals. Hiatal plication, esophagopexy, and left-sided gastropexy were performed laparoscopically. Follow-up information was collected with telephone interview with the owners and/or referring veterinarian. A standardized questionnaire was completed by dog owners postoperatively. Intraoperative pneumothorax occurred in 5 of 9 (55.6%) dogs and resulted in conversion to open celiotomy in 2 (22.2%) dogs. In 4 dogs, pneumothorax was suspected to be the result of progressive leakage of capnoperitoneum through the suture bite holes of the esophageal hiatal plication sutures. Hiatal plication was performed using intracorporeal simple interrupted sutures (n = 4) or a simple continuous pattern with barbed suture (4). Esophagopexy was performed using barbed suture in all dogs. Gastropexy was performed using a total laparoscopic technique (n = 4) or laparoscopic-assisted technique (3). Using a standardized questionnaire, dog owners perceived a postoperative improvement in regurgitation after eating and regurgitation after excitement/increased activity. Laparoscopic treatment of SHH resulted in owner-perceived improvement in clinical signs. Intraoperative pneumothorax occurred in a high proportion of dogs but did not result in long-term sequelae.

Abstract Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are a significant concern in livestock, particularly in pregnant females, due to their potential to cause severe morbidity and mortality. The aim of this case report is to describe the diagnosis, surgical correction, and post-operative management of a right ventrolateral abdominal wall hernia in a full-term gravid ewe. A 2-year-old gravid Uda ewe presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital University of Jos, Nigeria, with a large swelling on the right abdomen resulting from a bull horn gore which occurred a day prior to presentation. A thorough clinical examination revealed a large reduceable protrusion at the right ventrolateral abdominal wall with a palpable hernia ring of about 3cm. A gravid uterus was identified through left abdominal palpation; however, fetal viability was uncertain as no fetal motility or heartbeat was detectable via palpation and auscultation. A right ventrolateral traumatic abdominal wall hernia was arrived at following the chief complaint, history and clinical findings. Following sedation with intravenous injection of 2mg xylazine and local anesthesia via an inverted 'L' pattern infiltration of 10mg lidocaine, a caesarean section was performed and a moribund fetus was delivered. The hernia ring was then closed with size 2 polyglactin 910 using simple continuous sutures pattern. Post-operative antibiotics and analgesic were administered to prevent secondary bacterial infection and pain. The ewe made a full recovery after 15 days. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition, appropriate surgical technique, and post-operative care in managing traumatic abdominal hernias in livestock. The findings of this case report can inform and improve current practices, ultimately enhancing animal welfare and reducing economic losses in the livestock industry. Keywords: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia; Gore injury; Gravid ewe

Cranium bifidum is an incomplete closure of the skull at the suture lines, leaving a space through which the intracranial tissues can protrude. Meningocele is the herniation of the meninges containing cerebrospinal fluid through the cranium bifidum. This congenital defect is attributed to the intake of certain poisonous plants, genetic abnormalities, hereditary factors, malnutrition, bovine viral diarrhea, and others. The obvious clinical sign is a floating saccular protrusion of varied size and volume and is typically associated with cranium bifidum in the frontal or parietal region. Surgical management involves exposing the effective cranial opening and suturing the dura mater in a simple continuous pattern. Prognosis depends on the presence or absence of neurological signs; neurological signs are associated with morphological changes in brain tissue with poor prognosis.

To evaluate the use of bidirectional knotless barbed suture material for closure of the equine linea alba. Laboratory study. Adult light horse cadavers (n = 24). A 25 cm incision was made through the linea alba, and a 200 L polyurethane bladder was positioned within the abdomen. The linea alba was closed either using USP2/EP5 bidirectional polydioxanone barbed suture or USP2/EP5 standard polydioxanone suture in a simple continuous pattern. Closure time was recorded for each suture type. The bladder was air-insufflated at 40 L/min, and the pressure at body wall failure recorded. The length of suture used for wound closure and wound failure modes were recorded. Suture length, closure time, bursting pressure, and failure modes were compared using Welch-Aspin t-tests. The incisional bursting pressure was comparable between the two groups (p > .05). Less suture material (p < .01) was required with the barbed suture than the standard suture. Closure time was less for the barbed suture than the standard suture (p < .01). Suture failure was the main failure mode in both groups (83% cases). Closure of the equine linea alba using bidirectional barbed suture material reduced the amount of foreign material in the wound and decreased closure time without compromising incisional strength. Bidirectional barbed suture material could be considered as an alternative to standard suture materials for closure of the equine line alba.

To evaluate the effects of three adjunctive methods of tension band wire fixation (TBWF) on the biomechanical properties, gap formation, and failure mode in simulated canine patella tendon rupture (RPT). Randomized, ex vivo. Paired hindlimbs from 32 dog cadavers. Patellar tendons (PTs) and associated bone-muscle-tendon units were harvested. Each PT was transected then sutured using a core locking loop and simple continuous epitendinous pattern. Each hindlimb was randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 18 hindlimbs/group) using 18 gauge 316 L wire, anchored to the tibial crest distally, to perform transpatellar, suprapatellar, or combined tension band-wire (TBW) augmentation. Ten hindlimbs were utilized as control specimens. Yield, peak, and failure loads, stiffness, loads to 1 and 3 mm gap formation, and failure mode were evaluated. Combined transpatellar and suprapatellar TBW augmentation was superior to transpatellar or suprapatellar groups alone. Yield (p = .0008), peak (p = .004), and failure loads (p = .005) were greater for the combined group than for the transpatellar (p = .048) and suprapatellar groups (p = .01) respectively. There was no difference regarding the occurrence of 1 or 3 mm gap formation (1 mm, p = .05; 3 mm, p = .06); however, loads required to cause gap formation were greater in the combined group (p = .036). Mode of failure differed between techniques used for PT augmentation (p < .001). Combined transpatellar and suprapatellar adjunctive TBW augmentation for simulated PT repairs was biomechanically superior to either transpatellar or suprapatellar TBWF alone. Combined suprapatellar and transpatellar TBWF may offer a viable surgical option for increased repair-site strength and greater loads to gap formation. Further studies investigating alternative techniques and materials for RPT repair augmentation are warranted.

The case animal was a mice, female, Mus musculus race, ± 2 years old and 39.4 g body weight. Based on the results of the anamnesis, the mice experienced a lump in the form of an abnormal solid mass. At first this lump was small and then grew larger for more than one month. The purpose of this study was to determine the type of abnormal mass in case mice. Histopathological examination was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Based on anamnesis, physical examination, and supporting examinations by finding abnormal masses, it can be concluded that case mice were diagnosed with cystadenoma with a fausta prognosis. Treatment with excision (removal) in total on the abnormal tissue. The wound was closed with a simple continuous suture pattern with 3-0 absorbable chromic catgut suture in the peritoneal lining. The subcutaneous tissue and skin were closed with a running locked suture pattern using absorbable chromic catgut size 3-0. Postoperatively the suture wound was cleaned with Ringer's lactate solution and given antibiotics. Observations on wound healing showed that the wound was healing in an improved direction. The wound healed on the 7th day. It is recommended to pay attention to the proper use of sewing thread used in mice.

To compare a novel suture loop method for intestinal biopsies (SLB) with a two-layer, hand-sutured biopsy (HSB) technique in equine small and large intestines. Experimental, randomized, ex vivo study. Eight healthy adult horses. The duodenum, aboral jejunum, and ventral and dorsal large colon were harvested after euthanasia and divided into three sections each. The sections were randomized to SLB, HSB, or control (C, no biopsy) groups. Tissue samples were excised after placement of a suture loop formed by a 4S Roeder knot and oversewn with a Cushing pattern using barbed suture (SLB), or a simple continuous pattern oversewn with a Cushing pattern (HSB). Intraluminal diameter was assessed with contrast radiographs; bursting pressure and wall tension were determined using a solid-state sensor after instillation of fluid. Tissue samples were evaluated by a board-certified pathologist. Tissue samples were full thickness with similar depth and quality (p > .3). Changes in intraluminal diameter did not differ between methods (p > .16). The bursting pressures were higher for controls than biopsied sections (p < .009) but were not different between biopsy methods (p = .998). Bursting wall tension was higher for controls (p < .02) and was similar for both biopsy methods (p = .852). The SLB was equivalent to HSB in strength and effect on intraluminal diameter. The HSB samples were larger and more likely to contain mucosa/villi for histologic diagnosis. The SLB method can be adapted for laparoscopic surgery to obtain both small and large intestinal biopsies. Further investigation is needed before clinical use.

To report the clinical outcomes of gastrointestinal surgery using unidirectional barbed sutures in single-layer appositional closure in dogs and cats. Retrospective and descriptive study. Twenty-six client-owned dogs; three client-owned cats. Medical records of dogs and cats that received gastrointestinal surgery closed with unidirectional barbed sutures were reviewed to collect information on signalment, physical examinations, diagnostics, surgical procedures, and complications. Short- and long-term follow-up information was collected from the medical records, the owners, or the referring veterinarians. Six gastrotomies, 21 enterotomies, and nine enterectomies were closed with a simple continuous pattern with unidirectional barbed glycomer 631 sutures. Nine dogs had multiple surgical sites closed with unidirectional barbed sutures. None of the cases in the study developed leakage, dehiscence, or septic peritonitis during the 14-day short-term follow up. Long-term follow up information was collected for 19 patients. The median long-term follow-up time was 1076 days (range: 20-2179 days). Two dogs had intestinal obstruction due to strictures at the surgical site 20 and 27 days after surgery. Both were resolved with an enterectomy of the original surgical site. Unidirectional barbed suture was not associated with a risk of leakage or dehiscence after gastrointestinal surgery in dogs and cats. However, strictures may develop in the long term. Unidirectional barbed sutures can be used during gastrointestinal surgery in client-owned dogs and cats. Further investigation of the role of unidirectional barbed sutures leading to abscess, fibrosis, or stricture is necessary.