Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thoracoscopic surgery to treat fluid around the heart in 15 dogs
By Atencia, S et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Davies Veterinary Specialists·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Thoracoscopic pericardial window for management of pericardial effusion in 15 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 15 dogs with fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) underwent a minimally invasive surgery called a thoracoscopic pericardial window to help manage their condition. Most dogs had idiopathic pericardial effusion, while others had heart masses or cancer. The surgery was quick, with most dogs going home within a day, but some faced complications. Dogs with idiopathic effusion had a much better survival rate compared to those with cancer, living an average of over 600 days after surgery. This procedure can effectively help dogs with fluid buildup around the heart, especially when the cause is unknown.
People also search for: dog pericardial effusion treatment · dog heart fluid surgery · idiopathic pericardial effusion prognosis
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To report short-term complications and long-term outcomes of thoracoscopic pericardial window for management of pericardial effusion in dogs. METHODS: Retrospective study of dogs in which thoracoscopic pericardial window was performed using a three-cannula technique. Surgery time, complications, postoperative management, area of resected pericardium, histopathology results and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Diagnoses included dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion (n = 10), cardiac mass (n = 4) and mesothelioma (n = 1). One case required conversion to sternotomy. Median thoracoscopic surgery time was 52 · 5 (range, 45-80) minutes. Complications occurred in four (26%) cases. Median time to discharge was one (range, 1-6) day. Of dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion, one is alive at 150 days, one was lost to follow-up at 180 days while eight were euthanased of which five were for unrelated reasons. All dogs with neoplastic causes died or were euthanased because of their illness. Median survival time for dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion (635 days; range, 70-1165) was significantly longer than that for dogs with neoplasia (30 days; range, 1-107). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Thoracoscopic pericardial window is of low morbidity with short surgery and hospitalisation times. It provides good long-term control of idiopathic pericardial effusion but short-term palliation of clinical signs in dogs with neoplastic disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24106985/