A COMPARISON OF SIMPLE CONTINUOUS VERSUS SIMPLE INTERRUPTED SUTURE PATTERNS FOR TRACHEAL ANASTOMOSIS AFTER LARGE-SEGMENT TRACHEAL RESECTIONIN DOGS

Two suture techniques for tracheal anastomosis after large-segment tra cheal resection were compared. Eight cartilages were resected from the trachea of each of 12 dogs; anastomoses with 4-0 polydioxanone suture were created using a simple continuous suture technique in six dogs a nd a simple interrupted suture technique in six dogs. Surgical time wa s shorter but apposition of tracheal segments at the time of surgery w as less precise with the simple continuous suture technique. The dogs were evaluated for 150 days after surgery. Clinical abnormalities afte r tracheal resection and anastomosis were not observed. Percent dorsov entral luminal stenosis was calculated by measuring the tracheal lumen diameter on lateral cervical radiographs. Percent luminal stenosis wa s calculated planimetrically using a computerized digitizing tablet. A nastomotic stenosis was mild in all dogs; however, the mean percent lu minal stenosis determined planimetrically was significantly greater fo r dogs that had the simple continuous suture technique. Planimetric me asurements of cross-sectional area made before and after formalin fixa tion were not significantly different. Radiographic determination of p ercent dorsoventral luminal stenosis was a poor predictor of diminutio n of cross-sectional area determined planimetrically. (C)Copyright 199 5 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons