Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Laparoscopic surgery to fix hernias in 12 dogs and 1 cat
By Massari, Federico et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2026·DOCVET Clinica Veterinaria Nervianese, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial hernias: Multicentric retrospective case series of 12 dogs and one cat.
Plain-English summary
A group of 12 dogs and one cat with a condition called peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH), where abdominal organs move into the chest cavity, underwent laparoscopic surgery to repair the issue. Most patients were either showing symptoms or their owners wanted the hernia fixed. The surgery was performed using a low-pressure technique, and while one dog needed to switch to open surgery due to a complication, all pets survived without serious issues. This study shows that laparoscopic repair for PPDH is a safe and effective option for pets.
People also search for: dog hernia surgery recovery · cat peritoneopericardial hernia symptoms · laparoscopic surgery for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To date, there is little evidence on laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernias (PPDH). The present study reports on surgical technique considerations, complications and outcome. STUDY DESIGN: This was a multicentric retrospective cohort study of patients with laparoscopic PPDH repairs, using low-pressure COinsufflation (3-4 mmHg) who were operated between October 2022 to November 2024 in two specialist centers. ANIMALS: Dog and cat patients were diagnosed with PPDH and treated laparoscopically using low-pressure COinsufflation (3-4 mmHg). Patients were either symptomatic or their owners wished for repair. METHODS: Demographics of patients and details of surgical procedures including follow-up were reported in simple observational statistics. Details of surgical procedures included extent of PPDH, number of ports, insufflation pressure, suture use, use of thoracocentesis with an 18 gauge needle and/or drain, operating and total surgical time, anesthetic and surgical complications during and after surgery and a follow up at 6 months. RESULTS: Twelve canine and one feline patient were included in the study. One case required conversion to open surgery due to CO-induced pericardial tamponade. All patients survived and had no serious complications. CONCLUSION: Full laparoscopic repair of PPDH using low insufflation pressure was successfully achieved in 92% (12/13) patients. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the largest case series to report on outcomes of laparoscopic repairs of PPDH. Laparoscopic treatment of PPDH is a viable option without increased risk of complications.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41705456/