Our Summary
This study looked at two different ways to close up a dog’s chest after surgery – using a wire or a suturing technique – and compared how many complications occurred with each method. The researchers looked at medical records of 331 dogs who had this type of surgery at nine different referral centers from 2004 to 2020. They found that complications related to closing up the chest after surgery happened in around 14% of cases, but there wasn’t a significant difference between using wire or sutures. The only factor that seemed to increase the risk of complications was the size of the dog, with bigger dogs having slightly more problems. However, whether wire or sutures were used didn’t make a difference to the risk for bigger dogs. The researchers concluded that both methods are suitable for closing up the chest after surgery in dogs of all sizes.
FAQs
- What were the two methods compared in this study for closing a dog’s chest after surgery?
- Was there a significant difference in complication rates between using wire or sutures for this type of surgery?
- Did the size of the dog impact the risk of complications post-surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor may tell a patient undergoing sternotomy to closely follow post-operative care instructions to minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, following a proper rehabilitation plan, and keeping the incision site clean and dry. It is important to report any unusual symptoms or signs of infection to your healthcare provider promptly.
Suitable For
Patients who undergo sternotomy are typically those who require open-heart surgery, lung surgery, or other complex thoracic surgeries. These patients may have conditions such as congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, valve disorders, thoracic tumors, or aortic aneurysms. Additionally, sternotomy may be recommended for patients who have experienced trauma to the chest or who require a heart or lung transplant.
Timeline
Before sternotomy:
- Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and tests to determine if surgery is necessary.
- Patient is informed about the procedure, risks, and benefits.
- Patient is prepared for surgery, including fasting and any necessary medications.
During sternotomy:
- Patient is put under general anesthesia.
- Surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart or lungs.
- Sternum is cut open to allow access to the internal organs.
- Surgery is performed to repair or replace damaged organs.
- Chest cavity is closed up using either wire or sutures.
After sternotomy:
- Patient is monitored in the recovery room for any complications or side effects.
- Pain management and wound care are provided to help with recovery.
- Patient is gradually weaned off of the ventilator and other supportive devices.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be prescribed to aid in recovery.
- Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues follow-up care with their healthcare provider.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is a sternotomy and why is it necessary for my condition?
- What are the potential complications of a sternotomy procedure?
- How long is the recovery time after a sternotomy?
- Are there any specific precautions or restrictions I should follow after a sternotomy?
- Will I need any additional medications or treatments after the procedure?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments after a sternotomy?
- Are there any long-term effects or risks associated with a sternotomy?
- What are the success rates for patients who undergo a sternotomy procedure?
- Are there any alternative treatment options to consider instead of a sternotomy?
- How experienced are you in performing sternotomy procedures?
Reference
Authors: Pilot MA, Lutchman A, Hennet J, Anderson D, Robinson W, Rossanese M, Chrysopoulos A, Demetriou J, De la Puerta B, Mullins RA, Brissot H, Jeffery N, Chanoit G. Journal: Vet Surg. 2022 Aug;51(6):990-1001. doi: 10.1111/vsu.13846. Epub 2022 Jun 28. PMID: 35765719