The efficacy of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for closure of canine laparoscopic ovariectomy port site incisions

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate used to close port site skin incisions following
canine laparoscopic ovariectomy and to assess owner attitudes to surgical adhesive.
METHODS: The case records of dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy at a single centre during a
42-month period were examined. Dogs with incisions closed with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate were included.
Cases with less than 8 weeks follow-up were excluded. Data relating to dehiscence, swelling, erythema,
discharge or hypersensitivity postoperatively were recorded and reviewed. Postal questionnaires
were sent to the dogs’ owners.
RESULTS: A total of 289 dogs satisfied inclusion criteria. No complications occurred in 602 of 695
(86·6%) incisions. Complications occurred in 93 of 695 (13·4%) incisions: 33 of 695 (4·7%) dehisced,
38 of 695 (5·5%) swelled postoperatively, 59 of 695 (8·5%) developed erythema and 29 of 695 (4·2%)
developed a discharge. Complications were significantly more likely for a 10 mm incision than for a
5 mm incision (P<0·001). There were no reported cases of hypersensitivity relating to the use of n-butylcyanoacrylate,
nor any long-term adverse reactions. When owners scored incisions for scarring using a
visual analogue scale (0: excellent, 10: poor) the mean and median scores were 0·7 and 0, respectively.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that n-butyl-cyanoacrylate is an acceptable method for closing
laparoscopic port sites in dogs.