Evaluation of Four Suture Materials for Surgical Incision Closure in Siberian Sturgeon

Abstract

The visual and microscopic tissue reactions to the absorbable monofilament Monocryl, absorbable monofilament triclosan-coated Monocryl-Plus, absorbable multifilament Vicryl, and nonabsorbable monofilament Prolene were evaluated for their use of surgical closure in Siberian Sturgeon Acipenser baerii. Postoperative assessments were conducted at 1, 2, 8, 12, and 26 and 55 weeks to visually evaluate the surgical incision for suture retention, incision healing, erythema, and swelling. Incisions were also assessed microscopically at 1, 2, and 8 weeks for necrosis, inflammation, hemorrhage, and fibroplasia. The results indicated that incisions closed with either Vicryl or Prolene suture materials were more likely to exhibit more erythema or incomplete healing compared with those closed with Monocryl or Monocryl-Plus. The surgical implantation of a transmitter in the coelomic cavity did not significantly affect the response variables among the four suture materials. Monocryl or Monocryl-Plus were equally effective and superior to other suture materials used for closing surgical incisions in Siberian Sturgeon or closely related species of sturgeon. Furthermore, Monocryl or Monocryl-Plus may decrease the risk of transmitter expulsion through the incision, as surgical wounds appear to heal faster and exhibit less erythema compared with those closed with Vicryl.

Received September 30, 2012; accepted December 31, 2012

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This investigation was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. We thank the numerous graduate and veterinary students at the University of Georgia who provided technical assistance. The authors thank Novartis Animal Health for generously providing the Ethicon suture materials used in this project. The Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is sponsored jointly by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the University of Georgia, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The mention of commercial or trade names does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.