New surgery method to fix right-sided liver shunts in dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of indirect suture passage around the right portal vein for attenuation of right-sided intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS). STUDY DESIGN: Anatomic study of cadavers and prospective evaluation of clinical cases. ANIMALS: Nine canine cadavers (median weight, 20.5 kg) and 6 client-owned dogs suspected of having right-sided IHPSS. METHODS: Silicone casts of the caudal vena cava and pre- and intrahepatic portal veins were made in fresh canine cadavers. A suture was passed dorsal to the portal vein above and below its bifurcation and pulled laterally so that it surrounded the right portal vein. The number and size of portal and caudal vena cava branches that interfered with the suture passage were recorded. Intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated in 3 dogs with right-sided IHPSS and 3 dogs suspected of having right-sided IHPSS that had right portal vein dissection and occlusion using this technique. RESULTS: Suture passage and placement around the right portal vein were easily accomplished in all 9 specimens. A 1 mm branch from the dorsal surface of the right portal vein was included in the encircling ligature in 4 specimens. The dissection technique was used successfully in 3 dogs with right-sided IHPSS and 2 other clinical cases. The portal branch to the papillary process of the caudate lobe interfered with suture placement in 1 dog with a central IHPSS. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect suture passage for ligation of the right portal vein can be successfully performed in normal dogs and dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hemorrhage, vascular trauma, and surgery time may be reduced using this technique for attenuation of right-sided IHPSS.