Comparison of short-term complications between unilateral and single-session bilateral surgery for medial patellar luxation in small/medium breed dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the short-term complications of unilateral versus single-session bilateral medial patellar luxation surgery in small dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of dogs weighing less than 13∙6 kg that underwent medial patellar luxation surgery were reviewed. Dogs were included in one of two groups based on the type of surgery performed (unilateral or single-session bilateral). Postoperative patellar luxation grade and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-one dogs were included. In the bilateral treatment group, there was less improvement in patellar luxation grade and postoperative medial patellar luxation grade was higher. The frequency of major complications was higher in the bilateral group (23%) compared with the unilateral group (12%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Single-session bilateral medial patellar luxation surgery was associated with a higher complication rate compared to unilateral surgery in this non-randomised observational study. Staged rather than single-session bilateral surgery should be considered in dogs with bilateral medial patellar luxation to improve clinical outcome and reduce the chance of major complications.

Laparoscopic bile duct injuries. Risk factors, recognition, and repair.

Records of 11 patients undergoing biliary reconstruction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are reviewed. Ductal injuries resulted from failure to define the anatomy of Calot's triangle. Risk factors include scarring, acute cholecystitis, and obesity. Presenting findings included anorexia, ileus, failure to thrive, pain, ascites, and jaundice. All patients required hepaticojejunostomies, which were multiple and above the hepatic bifurcation in four patients. Given the extensive nature of these injuries and the frequent need for intrahepatic anastomosis and early stenosis of repairs by referring physicians, we recommend reconstruction be undertaken by an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon. To avoid injuries, a greater appreciation of risk factors and anatomic distortion and variance and strict adherence to principles of dissection and identification of anatomic structures are suggested. The use of cholangiography and a low threshold for conversion to the open procedure are advised.

Pitfalls in use of stapler in gastrointestinal tract surgery.

The development of stapling instruments has been an enormous advancement in surgery of the gastrointestinal tract. No instrument, however, can replace sound surgical judgment and technique.

Phosphorescence characteristics of several antimetabolites.

Phosphorescence excitation and emission wavelength peaks, lifetimes, limits of detection, and concentration ranges of analytical usefulness of 37 antimetabolites in rigid (77 degrees K) ethanolic solution were determined. Seventeen of the metabolites produced analytically useful phosphorescence, whereas the remaining 20 were of limited or no analytical use.