Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat survival and risks after liver lobectomy with thoracoabdominal
By Pavia, P R et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2014·Department of Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Outcome following liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Eighteen cats that had liver surgery using a special stapler were studied to see how well they did afterward. Most of the cats, 14 out of 18, survived the surgery and were sent home, with an average survival time of about 136 days. However, cats that had fluid in their abdomen, were anemic before surgery, or needed a blood transfusion during their stay had a shorter survival time. Overall, the stapler method was effective for removing liver issues, but veterinarians should be ready to manage complications like bleeding and anemia during the procedure.
People also search for: cat liver surgery recovery · cat anemia treatment · cat liver disease symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To present outcomes and complications following liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers in cats, to identify factors associated with survival time and to confirm safety and feasibility. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case records (n=18) of cats that underwent liver lobectomy with a thoracoabdominal stapler. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 18 cats (78%) survived to discharge. Median survival time was 136·5 days. On log-rank univariate analysis, preoperative abdominal fluid (P=0·002), preoperative anaemia (P=0·03) and perioperative transfusion (P=0·01) were associated with decreased survival time. Perioperative anaemia was common (89%), and rate of transfusion during hospitalisation was 61%. Clinical signs of illness, azotaemia, elevated liver enzyme activities and malignant neoplasia did not appear to impact survival; however, anaemia, abdominal fluid and transfusion may be associated with decreased survival time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers was effective in removal of hepatic lesions and all cats survived surgery. Outcome was negatively associated with preoperative abdominal fluid (haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic), preoperative anaemia or perioperative transfusion. Surgeons should be prepared to employ ancillary methods of haemostasis to augment the staple line, and need for blood transfusion should be anticipated.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24279595/