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 gastro-pexy (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 con-structs for comparisons of load-to-failure results for single AFSs deployed at 30°, 60°, or 90° (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° (TLG-2; 10). A 1-way ANOVA was used to compare results among AFS deployment angles (30°, 60°, or 90°) 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° (8.00 ± 3.90 N) and 90° (12.71 ± 8.00 N), compared with 30° (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 gastro-pexy in dogs; however, prospective clinical research with adequate long-term follow-up is warranted before recommendations can be made.