Cardiopulmonary changes induced by retroperitoneal insufflation in healthy dogs in sternal recumbency with the abdomen unsupported.

This study assessed the effects of retroperitoneal carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation on cardiopulmonary variables and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in mechanically ventilated dogs in sternal recumbency with the abdomen unsupported, following placement of a positioning kit and towels under the pectoral and pelvic regions. General anesthesia was induced in eight healthy adult male Beagles. A Swan-Ganz catheter was placed in the pulmonary artery via the jugular vein for cardiac output measurements. A Foley urethral catheter was placed to monitor transvesical IAP. A 10 mm balloon blunt-tip trocar was inserted into the retroperitoneal space. With a fixed respiratory rate and tidal volume by mechanical ventilation, insufflation pressure was sequentially increased from 0 to 10 mmHg in 5 mmHg increments, followed by desufflation. All variables were measured before insufflation, 5 min after the establishment of each insufflation pressure, and after desufflation. At 10 mmHg, the IAP was nearly equal to insufflation pressure. Cardiopulmonary function was not compromised at any point, although the cardiac index (CI), heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and mean pulmonary arterial pressure increased within normal ranges. End-tidal CO2 concentration, arterial CO2 partial pressure, and oxygen delivery index (DO2I) increased, whereas pH decreased, at 10 mmHg. CI, MAP, and DO2I did not recover to baseline after decompression. Thus, retroperitoneal CO2 insufflation up to 10 mmHg is well tolerated by mechanically ventilated dogs positioned in sternal recumbency with the abdomen unsupported, although sympathetic changes may occur with an insufflation pressure increase.

Feasibility of single-port retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of single-port retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (SPRA) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: A pilot experimental study. ANIMALS: Eight healthy beagle dogs. METHODS: SPRA was performed on the left and right sides (4 dogs each). Resection of the adrenal gland was performed through a SILS port using a retroperitoneal approach. Operative time was defined from skin incision to the completion of skin suture. Postoperative pain was evaluated by using 3 pain scores. Integrity of the adrenal gland capsule was evaluated by histologic assessment. RESULTS: Mean time taken to complete the SPRA was 44.1 minutes (range, 37-51) and was significantly longer on the right side than on the left side (P < .05). There were no complications intraoperatively or during 14 days of postoperative monitoring. The adrenal gland capsule was found to be injured in 3 of the 8 dogs by histologic assessment. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of SPRA in the veterinary literature. With this technique it is possible to perform adrenalectomy with some risk of capsule penetration and with excellent visibility. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that SPRA is feasible and can be used to resect small adrenal tumors with minimal complications.