Evaluation of two novel self-anchoring barbed sutures in a prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy compared with intracorporeal tied knots.

OBJECTIVE: To compare laparoscopic gastropexy using 2 self-anchoring barbed sutures to gastropexy using laparoscopically tied intracorporeal knots. STUDY
DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled, clinical trial. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 30) weighing >16 kg.
METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 laparoscopic gastropexy groups: group 1 (controls), intracorporeal 2-0 polydioxanone sutures (PDSII, Ethicon); group 2, barbed suture (0 Quill™ PDO; Angiotech); and group 3, barbed suture (2-0 V-Loc™ 180; Covidien). Gastropexy suturing time (GST) and total surgery time (TST) were recorded for each dog. Complications were recorded. Each dog was examined by ultrasound (1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively) to ensure persistence of the gastropexy. One dog each in group 2 and group 3 had 2nd look laparoscopy to evaluate the gastropexy.
RESULTS: All gastropexies were intact at 6 months. Mean GST was significantly longer for group 1 (36 minutes; range, 25-46 minutes) than for groups 2 (20 minutes; range, 16-37 minutes) and 3 (19 minutes; range, 15-30 minutes; P < .05), which were not significantly different from each other. Likewise TSTs for groups 2 and 3 were significantly shorter than for group 1 (P < .05).
CONCLUSION: Barbed sutures (Quill™ and V-Loc™) allowed for effective intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing of an incisional gastropexy without tying intracorporeal knots. © Copyright 2013 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.