Tissue reactivity to poliglecaprone 25 in the feline linea alba

To use poliglecaprone 25 for all ligations and closure in routine feline ovariohysterectomies and evaluate maintenance of tissue approximation and tissue reaction to the suture.

Prospective, descriptive study.

Twenty four female cats.

Ovariohysterectomies were performed in all cats. Abdominal incisions were inspected on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 for dehiscence and swelling. All cats were euthanatized postoperatively, group 1 on day 7; group 2 on day 14; and group 3 on day 28. The peritoneal cavity was inspected for adhesions and all abdominal incisions were collected en bloc. Each linea alba was histologically evaluated and the inflammatory reaction was characterized.

Dehiscence did not occur in any of the 24 cats. The incisional swelling on day 1 was significantly smaller than on day 7, and the swelling on day 14 was significantly smaller than on days 1, 3, and 7 (P < .05). Intra-abdominal adhesions were found in all groups with the greatest number associated with the peritoneum at the incision site. Tissue reactions in group 1 were pyogranulomatous or fibromononuclear, group 2 were granulomatous or fibromononuclear, and group 3 were pyogranulomatous, granulomatous, fibromononuclear or fibrous. Eosinophilic infiltration was seen in 3 of the 8 cats in group 1.

Incisional swelling and inflammatory reactions seen with poliglecaprone 25 were consistent with those anticipated after implantation of suture in a surgically created wound.

Poliglecaprone 25 appears to be an acceptable suture for use in feline ovariohysterectomy. It causes a relatively short-lived inflammatory response.