Summary
Objective: The study aimed to compare two different vessel-sealing devices (VSD) for laparoscopic-assisted
ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Material and methods: In this randomized, prospective clinical trial 12 consecutive, client-owned, healthy,
intact female dogs of different breeds were included. The dogs had been admitted for
elective laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy and were randomly assigned to one
of two treatment groups. The LigaSure™ was used in one group (n = 6), and the other
group was operated using the Caiman® (n = 6). Recorded variables were duration of all surgical steps, number of seals
required for transection of each ovarian pedicle, number of previous uses of the VSD,
and complications related to each VSD. Results: Transection of the ovarian pedicles using the Caiman® required significantly fewer seals per ovary. However, overall surgical time was
not significantly reduced. Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in both groups but was
more common in the LigaSure™ group. Emergency conversion to laparotomy was not required
in any case. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The Caiman® can be safely used for laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs. In comparison
with the Liga Sure™, the Caiman® requires fewer seals to transect ovarian pedicles, owing to the advantages of a longer
working length and the first-tip closure mechanism.
Keywords
Laparoscopy - minimally invasive surgery - castration
