Comparative evaluation of three laparoscopic cholecystectomy techniques in rabbit's model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the complications and perioperative outcome of three different techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Changes in the liver function test after LC techniques were investigated. Also, we compared the degree of postoperative adhesions and histopathological changes of the liver bed. METHODS: Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups: group A) Fundus-first technique by Hook dissecting instrument and Roeder Slipknot applied for cystic duct (CD) ligation; group B) conventional technique by Maryland dissecting forceps and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) for CD seal; group C) conventional technique by EBVS for gallbladder (GB) dissection and CD seal. RESULTS: Group A presented a longer GB dissection time than groups B and C. GB perforation and bleeding from tissues adjacent to GB were similar among tested groups. Gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels increased (p ≤ 0.05) on day 3 postoperatively in group A. By the 15th postoperative day, the enzymes returned to the preoperative values. Transient elevation of hepatic transaminases occurred after LC in all groups. Group A had a higher adherence score than groups B and C and was associated with the least predictable technique. CONCLUSIONS: LC can be performed using different techniques, although the use of EBVS is highly recommended.

Comparative evaluation of three laparoscopic cholecystectomy techniques in rabbit's model

Purpose: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the complications and perioperative outcome of three different techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Changes in the liver function test after LC techniques were investigated. Also, we compared the degree of postoperative adhesions and histopathological changes of the liver bed. Methods: Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups: group A) Fundus-first technique by Hook dissecting instrument and Roeder Slipknot applied for cystic duct (CD) ligation; group B) conventional technique by Maryland dissecting forceps and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) for CD seal; group C) conventional technique by EBVS for gallbladder (GB) dissection and CD seal. Results: Group A presented a longer GB dissection time than groups B and C. GB perforation and bleeding from tissues adjacent to GB were similar among tested groups. Gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels increased (p ≤ 0.05) on day 3 postoperatively in group A. By the 15th postoperative day, the enzymes returned to the preoperative values. Transient elevation of hepatic transaminases occurred after LC in all groups. Group A had a higher adherence score than groups B and C and was associated with the least predictable technique. Conclusions: LC can be performed using different techniques, although the use of EBVS is highly recommended.

The feasibility and effectiveness of thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach for lung biopsy in rabbits. A randomized study.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach for biopsy of all lung lobes and to determine the optimal intercostal space (ICS) for biopsy of each lung lobe. METHODS: Ten rabbits were positioned in dorsal recumbency. Total thoracoscopy lung biopsy was made combined transdiaphragmatic approach and right ICS approaches. A camera port was made in the transdiaphragmatic approach and the instrument port was made of ICS 7 and ICS 9. A pre tied loop ligature was placed to performed a caudal lung lobe biopsy and to simulate biopsies of the others lung lobes. RESULTS: Biopsy of the cranial aspect of the right caudal lung lobe was performed at ICS 9. Simulated biopsy of the accessory lung lobe was performed at ICS 9. Simulated lung biopsy of the right cranial and middle lung lobes was performed at ICS 7. The caudal and dorsal aspect of the right caudal lung lobe was not visualized by telescope at transdiaphragmatic approach, and biopsy was not performed. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach for lung lobes biopsies was a feasible technique, except for the caudal aspect of the right caudal lung lobe. An ideal intercostal port for biopsy of each right lung lobe was determined.

Sugarcane fibre may prevents hairball formation in cats.

Hair ingested by licking during cat grooming can eventually coalesce into solid masses in cat gastrointestinal tract. It is believed that dietary fibre might reduce formation of these trichobezoars (hairballs). The effects of two insoluble fibre sources added to kibble diets were evaluated with respect to trichobezoar faecal excretion. Thirty-two cats and four diets were used in a randomised block design: a control diet without additional fibre, 10 % added sugarcane fibre, 20 % added sugarcane fibre or 10 % added cellulose. Animals were fed for 42 d and during three separate periods (days 15-17, 25-27 and 40-42), the cats were housed individually in metabolic cages and their faeces were totally collected. The faeces were evaluated and the trichobezoars were isolated and classified into small (<1 cm), medium (1·1-2 cm) or large (>2·1 cm). Means were evaluated by repeated measures ANOVA and contrasts (P < 0·05). Cats fed sugarcane fibre shown a linear reduction of small and medium trichobezoar excretion (number per cat per day; P = 0·004) as well as a reduction in trichobezoar mass excretion (mg per cat per day; P < 0·01). The control group showed increased faecal excretion of large trichobezoars (P = 0·003), which were not present in the high sugarcane fibre group (P < 0·006). No effect of cellulose was observed for any evaluated trait. Therefore, long fibres (sugarcane fibre) may cause greater peristaltic stimulation, increasing the propulsion of hair through the gut, but further research is needed to validate this mechanism. In conclusion, sugarcane fibre reduced faecal hairball elimination in cats, which may have clinical applications for the prevention of health problems related to trichobezoars.