title: An in vitro comparison of two suture intervals using braided absorbable loop suture in the equine linea alba.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro experiment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Equine cadavers (n=14; weighing >318 kg; postmortem interval <2 hours).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: Larry D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Galuppo
authors.forename: Linda M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: van Hoogmoed
mesh_terms: D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D020341:Absorbable Implants / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000662:veterinary; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D013537:Sutures / Q000662:veterinary