Vessel-sealing devices may be safely used for hepatic surgery in dogs with a low rate of severe complications
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the safety and complication rate of 2 vessel-sealing devices (VSDs) used for hepatic surgery in dogs. Methods: This was a retrospective study from 6 institutions from January 2012 through June 2024 including dogs that underwent a complete or partial liver lobectomy or a liver biopsy using a VSD as the sole method. Surgical complications based on the type of liver lobectomy, severity of complication, type of VSD used, mass size, and liver lobe location were reported as the percentage of dogs experiencing the event of interest. Group differences were compared using a 2-tailed Fisher exact or χ2 test. Maximal tumor diameter in relation to complication type was assessed using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was set at P = .05. Results: 58 dogs were included in the study. For liver lobectomy cases, complications occurred in 42 of 48 dogs and were mostly minor. No differences in complications were noted based on liver mass size, liver lobe location, type of liver lobectomy performed, severity of complication, or type of VSD used. Intra- or postoperatively, biliary leakage occurred in 4 of 48 dogs. The complication rate for dogs undergoing a liver biopsy was 5 of 10 and consisted of minor bleeding in 90% of the cases. Conclusions: Despite the high incidence of minor complications, VSD can be safely used for hepatic surgery in dogs. The ability of the 2 VSDs used to seal bile ducts when a liver lobectomy is performed requires further investigation. Clinical Relevance: VSDs can be considered an alternative method for performing liver lobectomies in dogs.
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7135177238
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: