Using a bipolar vessel sealant for spaying cats with pyometra

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to describe the use of a bipolar vessel sealant device for complete ovariohysterectomy in cats (ie, removal of both the ovarian pedicle and the uterine body and vessels) and to report on the feasibility of ovariohysterectomy in cats with pyometra. METHODS: Cats with confirmed pyometra and whose owners agreed to the surgical procedure were prospectively included in the study. Ovaries were visualised and the vessel sealant device was used to coagulate and cut the suspensory ligament, the ovarian pedicle and the broad ligament up to the level of the uterine body. Once the uterine body was measured, it was grasped, coagulated and transected just proximal to the cervix using the vessel sealant device when its diameter was <0.9 cm. Immediate postoperative and short-term follow-up were evaluated by clinical examination. RESULTS: Thirteen cases were initially included between November 2015 and February 2017. Three cases were subsequently excluded because of a uterine body diameter >0.9 cm. Of the 10 cats finally included, all were intact females, with a median age of 2.7 years (range 0.9-9 years). Median weight was 3.7 kg (range 2.6-6.7 kg). The median surgery time was 10.9 mins (range 9.8-15.2 mins). Median uterus diameter was 0.51 cm (range 0.45-0.64 cm) and median skin incision was 4.1 cm (range 3.6-5.1 cm). No complications during the procedures occurred in any patient. All cases were discharged from the hospital 1 day after surgery, without any abnormality. No complications were noted during the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings suggest that the bipolar vessel sealant device used in this study is safe in performing ovariohysterectomy for pyometra in cats, when the uterine body is <0.9 cm in diameter, without short-term complications.