title: Comparison of a continuous suture pattern with a simple interrupted pattern for enteric closure in dogs and cats: 83 cases (1991-1997).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe and compare a simple continuous suture pattern with a simple interrupted pattern for enterotomy closure or end-to-end intestinal anastomosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  58 dogs and 25 cats that underwent enterotomy or intestinal resection and anastomosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Signalment, surgical procedure, suture pattern, suture material, confirmation of dehiscence, and follow-up were reviewed. Groups were compared by procedure (anastomosis or enterotomy) and by suture pattern.
  
  
  RESULTS
  57 animals underwent continuous closure; 26 had interrupted closure. Only polydioxanone or polypropylene suture materials were used. Overall, 81 (98%) animals had no signs of intestinal dehiscence and survived > 2 weeks. Two animals had confirmed dehiscence after foreign body removal, 1 of 57 (2%) after continuous closure, and 1 of 26 (4%) after interrupted closure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The simple continuous closure pattern is an acceptable alternative to simple interrupted closure for small intestinal anastomosis or enterotomy closure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Weisman
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Smeak
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Birchard
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Zweigart
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome