Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications and outcomes of single-port spleen removal in dogs
By Mayhew, Philipp D et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2018·Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Complications and short-term outcomes associated with single-port laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 22 dogs underwent a minimally invasive surgery called single-port laparoscopic splenectomy to remove their spleens due to issues like splenic masses or immune-mediated diseases. During the procedure, some dogs experienced mild bleeding, and in a few cases, the surgery had to be converted to a more traditional approach due to complications like large spleens or poor visibility. Despite these challenges, the surgery was generally effective, especially for smaller dogs with manageable splenic problems. Most dogs recovered well after the procedure.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique and report complications and outcome for single-port laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty-two client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent single-port laparoscopic splenectomy at 4 veterinary teaching hospitals were evaluated. Commercially available single-port devices were used in all dogs. In all cases, a vessel-sealing device was used to perform a hilar splenectomy. After the procedure was completed, the spleen was exteriorized through the single-port device incision or placed into a specimen retrieval device; enlargement of the incision was required in some cases. RESULTS: Median weight of dogs was 9.9 kg (interquartile range [IQR], 7.0-26.0). Splenectomy was performed because of splenic mass (n = 14), diffuse splenic disease (n = 4), or as adjunctive treatment for management of immune-mediated disease (n = 4). In cases with splenic masses, median maximal diameter of the largest splenic mass was 2.0 cm (IQR, 1.3-2.5). In 6 of 22 cases, mild splenic capsular bleeding occurred during the procedure. Conversion occurred in 6 of 22 cases to either a laparoscopic-assisted approach (n = 5) or an open celiotomy (n = 1). Reasons for conversion included large splenic dimensions (n = 3), adhesion formation (n = 1) or poor visualization resulting from abundant intra-abdominal fat (n = 1) or hemorrhage (n = 1). Heavier body weight was significantly associated with conversion (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.51), but body condition score, having a splenic mass, splenic mass size, and surgical time were not. CONCLUSION: Single-port laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective approach for elective splenectomy in dogs. The technique may be well suited to smaller dogs with modestly sized splenic masses or diffuse splenic disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29178506/