Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Laparoscopic partial pancreas removal surgery in nine cats
By Case, J Brad et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2024·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy of the left limb using a harmonic scalpel in nine cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Nine cats underwent a minimally invasive surgery called laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy to remove part of their pancreas. This procedure was successful for all cats, with only one experiencing a minor complication during surgery and another developing a mild infection afterward, which was treated without issues. After the surgery, the cats showed no signs of pancreatitis and were doing well at their follow-up visits, which took place between 250 to 446 days later. The surgery helped reduce certain pancreatic enzyme levels, indicating it was effective in managing their condition.
People also search for: cat pancreas surgery · laparoscopic surgery for cats · cat pancreatitis treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a laparoscopic technique and outcome for partial pancreatectomy in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Nine cats. METHODS: Laparoscopic pancreatectomy was performed using a single incision laparoscopic surgery port and an additional 5.5 mm port. The left pancreatic limb was dissected, sealed and divided at the level of the splenic vein insertion to the portal vein using a harmonic device. Surgical time and complications were recorded. The weight and length of the resected pancreatic limb was recorded. Pre- and postoperative trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI), pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI), and hemoglobin A1C were documented. RESULTS: Laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy was performed successfully in all cats. One grade 1 intraoperative complication occurred (1/9; 11%) resulting in minor hemorrhage from a caudal splenic vein branch. A grade 2 postoperative complication occurred within 3 days after surgery in one cat (1/9; 11%), involving localized, sterile peritonitis in the region of the pancreatic angle. Signs resolved with conservative management. No cats exhibited signs of pancreatitis postoperatively. Long-term, mean TLI decreased by 37% ± 38% (p = .03) following partial pancreatectomy, while PLI and A1C were unchanged. All cats were alive and clinically well at last follow-up 250 to 446 days following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy using a harmonic device is effective in cats, and offers a minimally-invasive alternative to open surgical pancreatectomy techniques. Laparoscopic pancreatectomy of the left limb results in adequate exocrine and endocrine function in the long-term.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38037261/