Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Single layer apposition suture pattern is preferred in dogs for intestinal suturing.
Reason (R) : Inverting suture patterns result in narrowing of intestinal lumen, whereas everting suture patterns often lead to adhesion formation.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

The submucosa is the only strength-holding layer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Any suture pattern used must engage the submucosa to ensure a secure closure, which is achieved efficiently using single-layer appositional techniques.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Gastrointestinal surgery requires suture techniques that prevent leakage of contents, maintain adequate blood supply for healing, and preserve the internal diameter (lumen) of the tract.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements and their relationship:
- Assertion (A):
In veterinary gastrointestinal surgery, a single-layer appositional suture pattern (such as simple interrupted or simple continuous) is the gold standard for intestinal anastomosis or enterotomy closure in dogs.
This pattern aligns the corresponding tissue layers (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa) directly against each other.
Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.
- Reason (R):
Historically, double-layer inverting patterns (such as Lembert or Cushing) were used.
However, inverting the tissue edges creates a substantial internal tissue cuff that narrows the intestinal lumen, increasing the risk of post-operative stenosis or obstruction.
Conversely, everting suture patterns (which push the mucosal edges outward) expose the mucosal surface to the peritoneal cavity, which delays serosal healing, increases the risk of leakage, and promotes peritoneal adhesion formation.
Therefore, Reason (R) is correct.
- Relationship between (A) and (R):
Because inverting patterns cause luminal stenosis and everting patterns promote adhesions and leaks, surgeons prefer single-layer appositional patterns, which avoid both complications and promote primary healing of the submucosa (the strength-holding layer).
Thus, (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A).