Complications associated with closure of the linea alba using a combination of interrupted vertical mattress and simple interrupted sutures in equine laparotomies.

Objectives (1) Evaluate the occurrence and variables associated with incisional morbidities (IMs) after ventral
median laparotomy when using interrupted vertical mattress sutures (IVMS) and (2) determine the occurrence of
abdominal bandage-associated
complications in horses.
Methods Occurrence of IM and bandage-associated
complications were determined after single laparotomies (SL
group; n=546 horses) and repeat laparotomies (RL group: multiple laparotomies within four weeks; n=30 horses)
in horses that survived ≥7 days postoperatively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were
performed to evaluate variables associated with IM.
Results The IM rate was 9.52 per cent in the SL group and 33.33 per cent in the RL group. The actual infection
rate was 5.31 per cent in the SL group and 26.67 per cent in the RL group. Overall, long-term
clinically relevant
wound complications was 1.68 per cent. After multivariate analysis, increased anaesthesia duration was
associated with IM and performing an enterotomy and postoperative intravenous lidocaine administration
were associated with incisional infection in the SL group; no parameter remained significant in the RL group.
Bandage-related
complications were recorded in 2.95 per cent of the cases.
Conclusions These results suggest that the use of IVMS for closure of the linea alba is another viable option for
closure and that an abdominal bandage does not appear to cause significant complications.