Introduction and aim of the study: In the dog, minimally invasive laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy has been associated with reduction of both pain and postoperative complications and with a subsequent prompt recovery. In this paper we describe laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy using a 2- or 3-port technique and the intra- and post-surgical complications in dogs diagnosed with pyometra.
Materials and methods: With the owners’ consent, 17 dogs with pyometra underwent laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy with a 2- or 3-port technique. The first cannula, 5 millimetres in diameter, was placed about 1 centimetre cranial to the umbilicus for the optical system; the second cannula was inserted 3 to 5 centimetres cranial to the pubis and used as a service port. A third cannula, when needed, was inserted between the two ports.
Results: Ten dogs underwent laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy using 2 ports and seven with 3 ports, one of which was converted to a traditional celiotomy technique because of poor visualization of the left ovarian pedicle. No major complications were observed intra-surgically and postoperatively; the mean operative time was 32 minutes.
Discussion: In this study, laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy proved to be a safe surgical treatment for canine pyometra with uterine diameter up to 5.1 cm and no major complications were reported. Moreover, the operative time was reduced compared to what reported in previous papers on laparoscopic techniques.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy with a 2- or 3-port technique is a safe surgical procedure with rapid postoperative recovery in dogs with pyometra.