Effect of subcutaneous closure technique on incisional complications and postoperative pain in cats undergoing midline celiotomy: A randomized, blinded, controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effect of three methods of subcutaneous tissue closure on postoperative incisional complications and pain in cats.

Study design: Single-center, randomized, blinded, controlled trial conducted in a veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals: Two hundred ninety-seven cats undergoing midline celiotomy for ovariohysterectomy (n = 280) or other abdominal procedure (n = 17).

Methods: Cats (n = 297) were assigned to one of three subcutaneous closure methods: simple continuous apposition with tacking to the rectus fascia (n = 108, quilting [Q] group); simple continuous apposition (SC; n = 94); no subcutaneous closure (NC; n = 95). Primary outcomes were incidence of seroma formation, postoperative pain, and surgical site infection or dehiscence. Active follow-up was obtained at 10 and 30 days postoperatively.

Results: Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. Seroma was less common in the Q group (13.0%) than in the NC (27.3%) and SC (25.9%) groups (P = .03). Compared with the other two groups, the relative risk of seroma formation in the Q group was 0.49 (95% CI = 0.28-0.86, P = .01). Median mechanical pain thresholds were higher (indicating greater comfort) in cats with subcutaneous sutures (Q and SC = 1.23 [interquartile range (IQR), 0.2-2.6 N], NC = 0.83 [IQR, 0-1.87 N], P = .04) on the day after surgery.

Conclusion: Closing subcutaneous tissues with a quilting closure pattern reduced seroma formation in cats undergoing celiotomy.

Clinical significance: Placing a quilting suture pattern in the subcutaneous tissues after celiotomy is a simple low-cost measure that reduces seromas in cats. Abstaining from subcutaneous closure cannot be recommended because of increased seroma formation and pain.