Outcome following liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers in cats.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To present outcomes and complications following liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers in cats, to identify factors associated with survival time and to confirm safety and feasibility. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case records (n=18) of cats that underwent liver lobectomy with a thoracoabdominal stapler. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 18 cats (78%) survived to discharge. Median survival time was 136·5 days. On log-rank univariate analysis, preoperative abdominal fluid (P=0·002), preoperative anaemia (P=0·03) and perioperative transfusion (P=0·01) were associated with decreased survival time. Perioperative anaemia was common (89%), and rate of transfusion during hospitalisation was 61%. Clinical signs of illness, azotaemia, elevated liver enzyme activities and malignant neoplasia did not appear to impact survival; however, anaemia, abdominal fluid and transfusion may be associated with decreased survival time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers was effective in removal of hepatic lesions and all cats survived surgery. Outcome was negatively associated with preoperative abdominal fluid (haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic), preoperative anaemia or perioperative transfusion. Surgeons should be prepared to employ ancillary methods of haemostasis to augment the staple line, and need for blood transfusion should be anticipated.