Outcomes of polyethylene band surgery for liver shunts in dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To report the short- and long-term outcomes following attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs using a novel polyethylene band. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs that underwent congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt attenuation by a polyethylene banding technique, at a single institution between 2010 and 2020. Short-term outcome data were collected from peri-operative clinical records with follow-up examinations, scheduled at 6 and 18 weeks post-operatively, and post-operative imaging when performed. Long-term follow-up was collected by validated owner questionnaire, telephone interview or medical records. Long-term outcomes were categorised by "excellent", "good" or "poor". RESULTS: Sixty dogs were included. Post-operative complications occurred in 10 of 60 dogs (16.7%), four major and six minor, with a peri-operative mortality of 6.7%. Persistent shunting was identified in nine of 53 dogs (17%) available for follow-up examination and four dogs underwent a revision surgery. Long-term follow-up was available for 44 dogs at a median of 75 months post-operatively (range 7 to 128). Long-term outcomes were "excellent" (26) or "good" (8) in 81.8% of dogs and "poor" (8) in 18.2%. At the time of follow-up, 30 of 44 (68.2%) dogs were not receiving any medical treatment and 27 of 28 (96.4%) questionnaire respondents were satisfied with the response to surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Polyethylene band attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts provides comparable outcomes to cellophane. The material used in this study is widely available and consistent while being pre-sterilised and pre-folded makes it easy to use.