Dog outcomes after single-incision laparoscopic vs open surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare outcome in dogs that underwent single-incision laparoscopic-assisted intestinal surgery (SILAIS) and open laparotomy (OL) for simple foreign body removal. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight client-owned dogs that underwent SILAIS (n = 13) or OL (n = 15). METHODS: Foreign body removal via SILAIS was performed with a commercially available single-port device. After laparoscopic evaluation, a wound retraction device (WRD) was inserted. The small intestine was extracorporeally explored, and foreign body removal was performed. The surgeon's hand was inserted through the WRD to palpate portions of the gastrointestinal tract not able to be extracorporeally evaluated. Open laparotomy with foreign body removal was performed via a ventral midline approach. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and perioperative data were collected. Follow-up data were collected with a standardized questionnaire with the referring veterinarian and/or owner via telephone interview. RESULTS: No postoperative complications were encountered in either the SILAIS or the OL group, and all dogs were successfully discharged from the hospital. Conversion from SILAIS to OL occurred in 3/13 cases. There was no significant difference in duration of hospitalization, duration of time to recovery, or surgical time between surgical approaches (SILAIS vs OL). CONCLUSION: Single-incision laparoscopic-assisted intestinal surgery for foreign body removal was not significantly different from OL in a variety of outcome measures in this cohort of dogs. Diagnostic imaging including ultrasonography or computed tomography may improve appropriate case selection for SILAIS for simple foreign body removal. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Single-incision laparoscopic-assisted intestinal surgery offers a minimally invasive technique for simple small intestinal foreign body removal. Additional study is required to compare SILAIS with OL.