Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Why diagnostic laparoscopy in dogs and cats sometimes needs open
By Buote, Nicole J et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2011·The Animal Medical Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Conversion from diagnostic laparoscopy to laparotomy: risk factors and occurrence.
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs and cats undergoing minimally invasive abdominal surgery had to switch to a more invasive procedure in 21% of cases. This change, known as conversion to laparotomy, was more common in animals with low protein levels in their blood or those diagnosed with a solitary liver tumor or cancer. The study found that these specific health issues were significant risk factors for needing the more extensive surgery. Understanding these risks can help pet owners and veterinarians prepare for potential complications during diagnostic procedures.
People also search for: dog liver tumor surgery · cat cancer surgery risks · why did my pet need a laparotomy · low protein levels in dogs · signs of abdominal issues in cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine reasons for conversion from diagnostic laparoscopic procedures to celiotomy in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=54), cats (40). METHODS: Medical records (2004-2008) were reviewed for dogs and cats that had diagnostic laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted biopsy. Numbers of conversions to laparotomy were recorded, including cause and type (elective versus emergent), postoperative complications, and short-term outcome. Specific risk factors for conversion, including signalment, preoperative diagnostics, and surgical findings were assessed; categorical variables were tested by χ(2) and Fisher's exact tests; continuous variables by Student's t-test and Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests; multivariate logistic regression models were created. RESULTS: Twenty animals (21%) had laparoscopic conversion; 13 (65%) were considered elective and 7 (35%) emergent conversions. There was no significant difference between animals requiring and those not requiring conversion for age, weight, sex, body condition score, clinical signs, previous abdominal surgery, or surgeon experience. Significant risk factors for conversion included low total solids (P=.03), presence of a solitary liver tumor (P<.01), and diagnosis of neoplasia (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: A conversion rate of 21% was found in this population of dogs and cats undergoing laparoscopic diagnostic procedures. A preoperative finding of a solitary liver tumor, low total solids, and diagnosis of malignancy were all significant risk factors for conversion.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21077922/