Laparoscopic resection of pancreatic masses in 12 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical management and outcome of dogs undergoing laparoscopic pancreatic mass resection (LPMR). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twelve client-owned dogs. METHODS: Data collected from medical records of dogs that underwent LPMR between 2012 and 2023 included signalment, clinical signs, mass location within pancreas, preoperative diagnostic imaging, laparoscopic approach, number of portals and device type used for LPMR, operating time, complications and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Pancreatic tumors were located in the left lobe (7), in the right lobe (4) and in the body of the pancreas (1). A 3- or 4-port technique was used in nine and three dogs, respectively. LPMR was performed with the Ligasure in nine dogs, a harmonic scalpel in two dogs and an endoscopic stapler in one dog. The procedure was performed successfully, with no conversion to open laparotomy, in all cases with a median operating time of 69 min. Postoperative complications occurred in four dogs, which resolved with medical treatments. All dogs survived the surgical procedure, were discharged from the hospital and alive a minimum of 90 days postoperatively. The final follow-up time ranged between 105 and 245 days (median 147). Histopathological diagnosis included insulinoma (9) and pancreatic carcinoma (3). CONCLUSION: LPMR was performed successfully using a 3- or 4-port technique and was associated with a low complication rate and a good clinical outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: LPMR may be considered as an alternative to open celiotomy in dogs, particularly for small tumors located in the distal aspect of the pancreatic lobes.

Laparoscopic portosystemic shunt attenuation in 20 dogs (2018-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique, complications, and outcome of laparoscopic portosystemic shunt attenuation (LPSSA) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records were searched for dogs with a single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPSS) that was treated with LPSSA. Signalment, clinical signs, CEPSS location, diagnostic imaging, laparoscopic approach, operative technique, complications, and clinical outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: Fourteen dogs with CEPSS located in the epiploic foramen had a right (13/14) or left (1/14) paramedian approach. In 6 dogs a CEPSS was not located in the epiploic foramen, and a left paramedian approach was used. A 3 or 4-port technique was used in 7 and 13 dogs, respectively. A thin film band was used for CEPSS attenuation in all dogs. The median operating time for LPSSA was 62 min (range 27-98 min). Intraoperative complications requiring conversion to an open technique occurred in 5 dogs. Mild perioperative self-limiting portal hypertension occurred in 3 dogs, while severe portal hypertension with surgical revision occurred in 1 case. The complications were resolved, and all dogs had a good outcome. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic portosystemic shunt attenuation can be performed in dogs, in particular for a CEPSS located in the epiploic foramen using a right paramedian approach. For CEPSS not located in the epiploic foramen, a left paramedian approach is recommended. Conversion to open celiotomy was required in around a third of cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laparoscopic attenuation of CEPSSs can be performed in dogs and has a good clinical outcome, particularly for CEPSS located in the epiploic foramen.

Is pneumothorax secondary to pneumoperitoneum a real risk in dogs undergoing total laparoscopic gastropexy?

Background: There were described in veterinary literature, the possibility of pneumothorax as a complication of laparoscopic surgery in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy associated with total laparoscopic gastropexy. Aim: To assess if spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pneumoperitoneum is a real risk in dogs undergoing total laparoscopic gastropexy. Methods: Dogs undergoing totally laparoscopic gastropexy received chest X-rays (CXR) in lateral (left and right) and ventro-dorsal projection before and after the surgery. Two veterinary radiologists reported the x-rays and indicated the presence or not of pneumothorax. Results: Postoperative pneumothorax was not detected on postoperative CXR in the total of 76 dogs of the study. Conclusion: The odds risk of pneumothorax after total laparoscopic gastropexy surgical procedure is low.

Laparoscopic portosystemic shunt attenuation in two cats.

Case series summary: Gradual attenuation of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt using cellophane banding was achieved with a laparoscopic technique in two cats. The portosystemic shunts were treated via a right or left lateral laparoscopic approach. Ultrasonography or CT angiography were used to verify the results of surgery. The success of the procedure was confirmed by normalisation of serum bile acid concentrations and clinical signs at the final re-evaluation. Relevance and novel information: The aim of this case series was to determine the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopy for portosystemic shunt attenuation in two cats. Laparoscopic portosystemic shunt attenuation appeared to be a feasible, safe and effective procedure in cats.