Single layer cystotomy closure of excised porcine bladders with barbed versus smooth suture material.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which of 2 suture materials would be superior in terms of closure time and leakage pressure in open single-layer cystotomy closure.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study.

ANIMALS: Twenty-four freshly harvested porcine urinary bladders.

METHODS: A cystotomy was performed and the incision closed with a single layer simple continuous suture pattern with barbed (n = 12) or smooth (n = 12) suture. Time required for closure was measured. Each bladder was connected to a system for monitoring intraluminal pressure while inflated with saline until leakage occurred. Intraluminal pressure at time of initial leakage and leakage site were recorded. Two-sample t tests were used to compare maximum leakage pressure and closure time between the 2 groups. P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: All bladders were sutured successfully with no difference in mean closure time (barbed suture 296 ± 46 seconds; smooth suture 293 ± 26 seconds) (P = .821). There was no difference in mean leakage pressure of porcine urinary bladder incisions closed in a single layer with barbed suture (28.8 ± 10.4 mm Hg) compared with smooth suture (30.6 ± 8.8 mm Hg) (P = .642).

CONCLUSIONS: Barbed suture provides comparable cystotomy repair to smooth suture, and no benefit to its use was identified in an open procedure. Barbed suture closure should be evaluated for adequate tensile strength in the presence of urine, satisfactory in vivo healing of cystotomies, and lack of long-term urolith formation in dogs and cats.