Cordless Sonicision™ Ultrasonic Dissector Versus Ligasure™ Bipolar Vessel Sealer for Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Dogs

Introduction:
Due to the increasing interest in laparoscopic ovariectomy in private practice, vessel-sealing devices that are more economic, are emerging. Therefore the purpose of this study was to compare a new cordless device, the SonicisionTM ultrasonic device (SCUD) with the Ligasure vessel sealing device (LVSD).

Materials and methods:
A randomized prospective clinical trial with client-owned dogs presented for elective laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) was set up. LapOVE by LVSD was compared with LapOVE by SCUD. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In group 1 the left ovary was resected using the SCUD and the right ovary using LVSD. Group 2 had the left ovary resected by LVSD and the right ovary by SCUD. Duration of ovary excision, complications, and fume production were compared between the two techniques. Other treatment-related parameters were also recorded, including total surgery duration, postoperative convalescence, obesity, mesovarial fat scores, and technique-associated costs. Statistic analysis was performed using SPSS-statistics 21.

Results:
Twenty-two dogs of various breeds were included in the study. LapOVE was significantly faster using the LVSD vs SCUD group. Fume production was higher for SCUD vs LVSD group but was not associated with longer ovary excision time. Costs were lower for the SCUD vs LVSD. Complications (i.e. surgical bleeding) were higher using SCUD, but could easily be corrected preoperatively.

Discussion:
The SCUD can be a cost-effective alternative device for LapOVE, taking differences in technique and user preference into account. This may especially be of interest for LapOVE performed in private practice.