Biomechanical evaluation of an absorbable fixation strap for use in total laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare load-to-failure results for laparoscopic absorbable fixation straps (AFSs) deployed at various angles and for AFSs versus absorbable knotless (barbed) suture when used in simulated total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) in specimens from cadaveric dogs. SAMPLE 30 stomach and abdominal body wall specimens. PROCEDURES Specimens were assigned to 1 of 3 groups for use in simulated TLG constructs for comparisons of load-to-failure results for single AFSs deployed at 30 degrees, 60 degrees, or 90 degrees (AFS-angle group; n = 10) or for a gastropexy span of 4 to 5 cm achieved with 3-0 absorbable knotless (barbed) monofilament suture applied in a simple continuous pattern (TLG-1; 10) versus 8 AFSs applied with a deployment angle > 30 degrees (TLG-2; 10). A 1-way ANOVA was used to compare results among AFS deployment angles (30 degrees, 60 degrees, or 90 degrees) and between TLG-1 and TLG-2. RESULTS Mean +/- SD load to failure for the AFS-angle group was significantly higher for the AFS deployment angles of 60 degrees (8.00 +/- 3.90 N) and 90 degrees (12.71 +/- 8.00 N), compared with 30 degrees (5.17 +/- 1.90 N). However, no substantial difference was detected in the mean +/- SD load to failure for TLG-1 (39.18 +/- 7.1 N) versus TLG-2 (31.43 +/- 10.86 N). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study supported the potential use of AFSs in gastropexy in dogs; however, prospective clinical research with adequate longterm follow-up is warranted before recommendations can be made.