Complications of soft tissue surgery

Question 1

Describe intestinal healing

Answer 1

relatively fast
healed by day 14 post sutures
Wound strength at nearly normal levels

Question 2

Describe bladder healing

Answer 2

rapid
regained nearly 100% of strength between 21-28 days post suture

Question 3

When is dehiscence most likely to occur in the intestine and bladder?

Answer 3

during the first 72-96 hrs (lag phase)
All support at this point is coming from the sutures, the fibrin seal is getting broken down by macrophages but collagen is not yet binding the wound together

Question 4

What checks should be done after closure of the intestine or bowel to prevent further complications

Answer 4

Check integrity of repair
Check for bleeding
Lavage and suction
Count your swabs
Change gloves
Change instruments

Question 5

What signs will an animal show if they are developing post-op complications e.g., wound infection, peritonitis, uroabdomen etc

Answer 5

Fine in first day
Dull, lethargy
Anorexic
V+ D+
Distended abdomen
Painful abdomen (abdominal guarding)
pyrexia
Tachycardic
Tachypnoeic

Question 6

What is the suture holding layer of the linea alba

Answer 6

external rectus sheath

Question 7

What is the most common suture pattern when closing the linea alba

Answer 7

Continuous:
- even tension distribution
- rapid closure
- less suture material = less foreign material
- 6 throws at each end

Question 8

What suture material is most commonly used when closing the linea alba

Answer 8

Absorbable monofilament; e.g, polydioxanone or polyglyconate