Hydrosonographic Assessment of the Effect of Two Different Suture Materials on Healing of the Uterine Scar after Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose This study aimed to compare the effects of two different suture materials, monofilament synthetic absorbable sutures versus multifilament synthetic absorbable sutures, on healing the uterine scar after a cesarean delivery. Methods A total of 95 women between the ages of 18 and 40 who had undergone a primary cesarean section (CS) after the 38th week of gestation. In Group I (n=48), continuous double-layer unlocked closure of the low transverse uterine incision was performed using monofilament synthetic absorbable sutures. In Group II (n=47), continuous double-layer unlocked closure of the low transverse uterine incision was performed using multifilament synthetic absorbable sutures. Six months after the operation, the integrity of the cesarean scar at the uterine incision site was assessed using hydrosonography. The healing ratio and the thickness of the residual myometrium covering the defect were calculated as markers of uterine scar healing. Results No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the preoperative hemoglobin concentrations, the change in the hemoglobin concentrations, operating time, and the number of intraoperative additional hemostatic uterine sutures. Mean thickness of the residual myometrium covering the defect was thicker in the monofilament suture group in comparison to the multifilament suture group (7.76±2.11 vs. 5.96±1.69, respectively; p<0.01). The mean healing ratio was significantly higher in the monofilament suture group in comparison to the multifilament suture group (0.76±0.13 vs. 0.60±0.12, respectively; p<0.01) Conclusion Continuous double-layer unlocked closure of the uterine incision at cesarean delivery using monofilament synthetic absorbable sutures decreases the risk of CS scar defect.

Coxofemoral Joint Luxation in Dogs Treated with Toggle Rod Stabilization: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Review with Client Survey

ABSTRACT Coxofemoral luxation is the most common type of joint luxation observed clinically in dogs. This retrospective study determines the complications and outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation of coxofemoral luxations using a toggle rod stabilization in 58 dogs. The purpose of the study was to compare the results with previous studies to ascertain commonalities and differences. A majority of the canine luxations were stabilized using a 4.0 or 3.2 mm commercial toggle rod and either one or two strands of OrthoFiber, FiberWire, or monofilament nylon suture. Postoperative complications developed in 25 of the 58 (43%) dogs, with major complications in 9 cases (15.5%). The most common major complication was reluxation, which occurred in 6 dogs (10%). Five of the 6 cases of reluxation received monofilament suture, although there was not a statistically significant relationship between suture type and reluxation. Owner responses to a questionnaire reported good to excellent results for satisfaction with the procedure in 90% of cases. Results of the present study suggest that toggle rod stabilization remains an effective method for the treatment of coxofemoral joint luxation in dogs.