Surgeon experience changes pain levels in cats after spay surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the outcomes between surgeries performed by either experienced or inexperienced surgeons by assessing intraoperative nociception and perioperative analgesia. METHODS: 16 healthy, client-owned female cats were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 8: one undergoing surgery by an experienced surgeon (GES group) and the other by inexperienced surgeons (GIS group). Both groups received IM premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) and methadone (0.3 mg/kg). After 20 minutes, venipuncture and induction with propofol (dose-response, IV) were performed. Maintenance was achieved with inhaled isoflurane. Intraoperative vital parameters were monitored, and fentanyl (2.5 µg/kg, IV) was administered as rescue analgesia when needed. Postoperatively, pain was assessed with a visual analog scale and the multidimensional pain scale of the Universidade Estadual Paulista in Botucatu; morphine (0.2 mg/kg, IM) was used for rescue analgesia, as necessary. RESULTS: In the GIS group, significant increases in heart rate and systolic blood pressure were noted during surgery, especially during pedicle clamping. Respiratory rate and end-tidal isoflurane levels were higher in the GIS group at specific surgical stages. Survival analysis indicated that the GIS group had a greater need for fentanyl. Postoperative pain scores were generally low, but a higher proportion of GIS cats required rescue analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon experience influences intraoperative parameters and fentanyl consumption. Inexperienced surgeons contribute to increased postoperative pain and poorer wound healing outcomes in cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ovariohysterectomy is a common procedure in veterinary practice, and surgical expertise significantly impacts pain management and recovery. Yet, its effects have been underexplored, potentially compromising animal welfare.