Efficacy of Canine Ovarian Pedicle Haemostasis by Vessel Sealing Versus Suture Ligation in Open Surgery

Efficacy of canine ovarian pedicle haemostasis by vessel sealing versus suture ligation in open surgery

Introduction
Gonadectomy of healthy female dogs is a routine and frequently performed procedure in small animal veterinary practice (1,2). Neutering is the most reliable method of population control and also has advantages for the dog’s health (3). Although other approaches have been described (1), the most widely performed technique is midline celiotomy for either ovariectomy (OVE) or ovariohysterectomy (OVH) (4). In European countries, other than the UK, OVE is preferred to OVH for elective cases, and the uterus is only removed if uterine pathology is present (1,5-7). Vessel sealing (VS) is well established in laparoscopic ovariectomy (OVE) in dogs. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ovarian pedicle haemostasis by VS using a commercially available vessel sealing tool in open OVE and compare it to suture ligation (SL).

Material and Methods
A prospective, randomized clinical trial including 20 female dogs was designed. Open OVE was performed via a standard midline celiotomy by a single surgeon using a standardized protocol. At random, the right ovarian pedicle was sealed (VS) or ligated (SL) whereas the left pedicle was treated by the alternative technique. Surgical times for procedural stages and intra- operative complications were recorded and statistically evaluated. […]