Work

Ligasure vs. Suture Ligation for Feline Ovariohysterectomy: Faster Ovarian Pedicle Dissection, Lower Early Pain, and Attenuated Fibrinolytic Activation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Surgical sterilization in cats is commonly performed using conventional suture ligation, but this method is associated with risks of intraoperative bleeding, prolonged operative time, and postoperative pain. LigaSure, a bipolar vessel-sealing device, has been proposed as an alternative that may enhance surgical efficiency and provide more reliable hemostasis. In this randomized study, twenty healthy female cats underwent ovariohysterectomy with either conventional suture ligation (n = 10) or LigaSure (n = 10), and surgical duration, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements, and selected coagulation parameters (antithrombin III, fibrinogen degradation products, and D-dimer) were assessed. The LigaSure group showed a mean reduction of 5.2 minutes (95% CI: 3.1–7.4) in the ovarian dissection stage, less intraoperative bleeding, lower pain scores at 1 and 2 hours, and reduced need for rescue analgesia. Hemodynamic monitoring indicated attenuated nociceptive responses during ovarian manipulation. Coagulation results revealed smaller increases in fibrinogen degradation products and D-dimer levels in the LigaSure group, while antithrombin III decreased in both groups but remained more stable with conventional ligation. Complication rates were similar between groups. Overall, LigaSure was found to offer significant advantages over suture ligation, including shorter operative time, improved hemostasis, and reduced early postoperative pain, suggesting its value as a safe and effective technique to improve welfare outcomes in routine feline neutering procedures.

Source: Acta veterinaria

DOI: 10.2478/acve-2026-0015