Clinical Evaluation of Random Skin Flaps Based on the Subdermal Plexus Secured with Sutures or Sutures and Cyanoacrylate Adhesive for Reconstructive Surgery in Dogs

Complications and influence of cutaneous closure technique on subdermal plexus flaps in 97 dogs (2006-2022)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and severity of complications for subdermal plexus flaps in dogs and compare the complications when using sutures or staples for cutaneous closure of subdermal plexus flaps.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective monocentric study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Ninety-seven client-owned dogs.

METHODS

Dogs that underwent wound reconstruction using subdermal plexus flaps were retrospectively identified. Type of flap, cutaneous closure technique, complications and level of complication associated with their use were recorded. Follow-up was considered adequate if it was more than 10 days postoperatively or until a complication occurred.

RESULTS

Complications were seen in 52 dogs (53.6%), of which 13/18 (72.2%) of dogs had cutaneous closure with skin staples versus 39/79 (49.3%) with skin sutures. The location of the mass/wound on the head and use of an advancement flap was associated with lower incidence of complications (p < .001; p = .018 respectively). Location of the mass/wound on the proximal pelvic limb was associated with a low level of complications (p = .01) on univariable analysis only. On multivariable analysis, only an increased bodyweight was associated with an increased incidence of complications (p = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased weight may be associated with an increased risk of complications with subdermal plexus flaps. No risk factor was found to be associated with the severity of complications.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Overall incidence of complications for subdermal plexus flaps in dogs in this study was 53.6%. The number of dogs included in the study was not sufficient to assess if the skin closure technique affects the incidence of complications.

Effects of cyanoacrylate on leakage pressures of cooled canine cadaveric jejunal enterotomies

OBJECTIVE

To compare the intraluminal initial and maximal pressures of enterotomies closed using three different techniques (single-layer appositional continuous closure; closure with cyanoacrylate; a single-layer appositional closure augmented with cyanoacrylate) in a cooled canine cadaveric jejunal model and to report the initial leak location in all samples.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental, ex-vivo study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Grossly normal chilled small intestine segments from three canine cadavers.

METHODS

A total of 45 chilled jejunal segments (n = 15 segments/group) were assigned to a handsewn group (HSE), a cyanoacrylate only group (CE) and a handsewn and cyanoacrylate group (HS + CE). A 2 cm antimesenteric enterotomy was performed and closure with one of the above techniques. Initial leakage pressures (ILP), maximal intraluminal pressures (MIP) and initial leakage location were recorded by a single observer.

RESULTS

Handsewn enterotomies leaked at higher ILP when augmented with cyanoacrylate (83.3 ± 4.6 mmHg, p < .001) compared to both the HSE group (43.8 ± 5.3 mmHg) and the CE group (18.6 ± 3.5 mmHg). Those sealed with cyanoacrylate only leaked at a lower MIP compared with the other groups (p < .001). Maximal intraluminal pressures did not differ between handsewn enterotomies, whether augmented or not (p = .19).

CONCLUSION

Reinforcement of a sutured enterotomy closure with cyanoacrylate was easy to perform and resulted in significantly increased initial leak pressures in cadaveric jejunum.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The increased leakage pressures achieved by reinforcing enterotomies with cyanoacrylate could consequently reduce the incidence of postoperative intestinal leakage following an enterotomy and may result in reduced patient morbidity or mortality.

Histological and microbiological evaluation of surgical wound closure in mouse skin with cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl®) in comparison to poliglecaprone (Monocryl®) traditional suture

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Incisional wound closure is a critical surgical step to facilitate tissue healing.

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Cyanoacrylates (Histoacryl®) have become a popular veterinary wound closure practice.

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Effects of Histoacryl® over traditional suture on wounds rest undetermined.

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Histoacryl® vs. Poliglecaprone (Monocryl®) have similar regenerative results in mice.

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Histoacryl® or Monocryl® could be used to treat wounds in rodents.

Incisional wound closure is a key surgical step to facilitate tissue healing, reduce the risk of infection and obtain esthetic and functional recovery. Cyanoacrylates such as Histoacryl® have become a popular choice in surgical veterinary practice. However, how Histoacryl® is affecting tissue regeneration and bacterial load in the wound in comparison to poliglecaprone (Monocryl®) traditional suture methods remains to be determined. This work aimed to evaluate how wounded tissue responds to traditional suture with Monocryl® (poliglecaprone 25/4-0) and Histoacryl®, as well as provide evidence of their effects on wound healing in mice. Fortyeight hours after the incisional procedure, wound tissue biopsies were prepared for histological and microbiological analysis. Biopsies were fixed and colored with Mallory's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin stains. For microbiological assays, biopsies were suspended in tryptic soy broth (TSB) and 1/10 diluted to evaluate the number of CFU in nutrient agar plates. Our results show no differences between Histoacryl® and Monocryl® traditional suture suggesting that both methods could be used to treat wounds in small animals such as rodents.

Indications, complications, and outcomes associated with subdermal plexus skin flap procedures in dogs and cats: 92 cases (2000-2017)

OBJECTIVE

To describe indications, complications, and outcomes associated with subdermal plexus skin flap (SPSF) procedures in dogs and cats.

ANIMALS

53 dogs and 20 cats that received SPSFs for reconstruction of skin defects from 2000 to 2017.

PROCEDURES

Medical record data were collected and summarized regarding patient signalment, indication for the SPSF procedure, type and location of SPSF, complications, and outcome.

RESULTS

92 SPSF procedures (64 in dogs and 28 in cats) were included. Indications for the procedures included tumor excision (n = 37 [40%]), acute wound (14 [15%]) or chronic wound (28 [30%]) reconstruction, surgical scar revision (7 [8%]), and other reasons (6 [7%]). Types of SPSFs included advancement (31 [34%]), axillary fold (20 [22%]), inguinal fold (20 [22%]), rotation (16 [17%]), transposition (3 [3%]), and distant direct (2 [2%]). Complications were noted for 47 (51%) procedures at a mean ± SD of 6.9 ± 4.0 days after surgery and were classified as minor (34 [37%]) or major (13 [14%]). Outcome was considered excellent for 44 (48%) procedures, good for 33 (36%), fair for 13 (14%), and poor for 2 (2%).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggested that approximately half of SPSF procedures in dogs and cats can be expected to be followed by a complication, occurring at a mean of 1 week after surgery, and yet with appropriate management of these complications, a good to excellent outcome was possible. Owners should be counseled about the likely need for additional visits and costs associated with treatment of postoperative complications.

Nasal planum reconstruction after tumour resection using a lip-to-nose flap in a dog

Here we describe the use of a novel lip-to-nose flap technique for nasal planum reconstruction after tumour removal in a dog. A mast cell tumour involving the nasal planum was first resected by removing the roof and the wing of the left nasal vestibule. An interpolation subdermal plexus flap was derived from the left caudal lip with vascular contribution from the lateral nasal artery. This lip-to-nose flap was rotated into the defect via a bridging incision. The mucocutaneous junction of the lip was used to emulate the keratinised nasal planum and the buccal mucosa was sutured to be congruent with the mucosa of the vestibule. This resulted in the lip-to-nose flap successfully closing the surgical defect and giving an aesthetic appearance similar to the original nasal planum.

Composite Resection of Tumors of the Rostral Maxilla and Dorsolateral Muzzle Utilizing an Upper Lip-Sparing, Combined Approach in Dogs

Tumors of the rostral maxilla that involve both the oral mucosa and the dermis or subdermis of the dorsolateral muzzle provide unique challenges for the oromaxillofacial surgeon. Traditionally described approaches to such lesions may involve an intraoral incision that extends and involves the upper lip to envelope the involved dermis of the dorsolateral muzzle. However, such an approach unnecessarily resects upper lip tissue resulting in a large defect that likely requires advanced skin flaps or grafts for reconstruction. Such flaps are technically challenging and introduce potential for significance postoperative complications. In this article, we provide a detailed description a combined intra- and extraoral approach that allows for composite resection of tumors of the rostral maxilla that also involve the dorsolateral muzzle. The described technique allows for excellent intraoperative visualization and provides a superior cosmetic outcome that minimizes postoperative complications. In addition, we describe our experience utilizing the technique in three clinical cases.

Wound Closure, Tension-Relieving Techniques, and Local Flaps

Wounds are often addressed by primary or delayed primary closure. Although many skin wounds could go on to heal by second intention, this results in a less cosmetic outcome, takes longer, and in the long run, is often more expensive. As a general rule, the simplest method of wound closure that is likely to succeed should be chosen. If tension is present at the wound edges, wound dehiscence is likely to occur. Using specific techniques to relieve tension on wound edges and recruiting local flaps from neighboring regions are useful ways to achieve wound closure.