The Use of Barbed Suture for Cystotomy Repair — a Novel Approach

Abstract

BackgroundIn this study, we aim to compare outcomes after cystotomy repair between standard sutures (910 polyglactin, poliglecaprone) versus barbed (V-Loc™ 90) suture. As a secondary outcome, we analyzed risk factors for suture preference between the two groups. MethodsA retrospective chart review was undertaken for surgeries complicated by cystotomy, identi ed by ICD-9/10 codes from 2016 to 2019 at West Virginia University (WVU) Hospital. Comparisons were made between cystotomy repair using barbed suture versus standard braided suture. Injuries were categorized by procedure, surgeon specialty, surgical route, type of suture used in repair, and subsequent complications related to repair. Primary endpoints were examined by Pearson's Chi-square test and interval data by t-test. A p < .05 was signi cant. ResultsSixty-eight patients were identi ed with iatrogenic cystotomy at WVU. Barbed suture was used for cystotomy repair in 11/68 (16.2%) patients. No signi cant difference was seen in postoperative outcomes between patients repaired with barbed suture versus standard braided suture. Barbed suture was signi cantly more likely to be used for cystotomy repair in minimally invasive surgery (p = 0.001). It was most often utilized in a robotic approach 7/11 (63.6%) followed by laparoscopic 3/11 (27.3%). Body mass index (BMI) was signi cantly higher in patients receiving a barbed suture repair (p = .005).