Oesophageal tissue reaction to different suture materials. An experimental study in the cat.

Oesophageal tissue reaction to different suture materials (chromic catgut, silk, prolene and stainless steel wire) was analysed and compared in 45 cats with and without reflux oesophagitis. Diffuse reflux oesophagitis was produced in 12 out of 21 animals subjected to oesophagocardiomyotomy (Marwedel-Wendel) combined with production of a fixed hiatal hernia of sliding type. Steel wire sutures produced minimal tissue reaction and undisturbed fibroplasia both in the intact oesophagus and in the presence of reflux oesophagitis. The steel wire sutures were found to be superior to the chromic catgut, silk, and prolene.