Alterations in uterine and peritoneal fluid cytology as well as uterine histopathology following caesarean operation with reference to suture material and intra-peritoneal lubricant in bovines

Abstract

Dystocia affected bovines (41) were studied to assess the comparative efficacy of natural (chromic catgut, CC) or synthetic (polyglycolic acid, PGA) absorbable material used for suturing uterine incision, with or without intra-peritoneal infusion of sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (SCMC 1% @ 14 ml/kg) during caesarean on the alterations in the peritoneal/ uterine fluid cytology. In addition, histopathological changes in uterine tissue were observed, which may be predictive of post-operative uterine adhesion formation. The animals were divided into 4 groups, viz. 1 (PGA+SCMC, n=12), 2 (PGA, n=10), 3 (CC+SCMC, n=10) and 4 (CC, n=9). Animals in which PGA or CC sutures were used along with SCMC infusion during caesarean, their peritoneal and uterine fluid displayed a decrease in neutrophils and an increase in lymphocytes on various post-caesarean days. On the contrary, when CC was used alone, peritoneal and uterine fluid neutrophils increased and lymphocytes decreased. Uterine histopathology during pre- and post-caesarean period revealed mild to severe epithelial / subepithelial damage, muscular damage and endometrial glandular damage with acute to chronic superficial inflammatory changes. When PGA was used along with SCMC, the severity of epithelial / subepithelial congestion, haemorrhage, and muscular swelling / disruption decreased as observed on day 6 post-caesarean or at necropsy. In summary, SCMC and not CC alone may be effective in reducing the post-operative bacterial load through persistent neutrophilia. To some extent PGA along with SCMC was effective in reducing the inflammatory reaction in uterine tissue and, thus may be effective in preventing post-operative uterine adhesions.